The Philippines, battling a surge in Delta cases, on Thursday logged 17,964 COVID-19 cases.
The day's jump brought total active cases to 175,470 and the cumulative total since the pandemic began to 2,179,770.
There were 168 deaths and 9,067 recoveries reported, bringing totals to 34,899 and 1,969,401 respectively.
Granular lockdowns were set to be piloted in the capital region starting Wednesday, but the decision was taken back late Tuesday night.
Authorities on Thursday said the last-minute extension was in response to the call of health workers to maintain the quarantine status as hospital systems try to accommodate Delta patients.
Earlier today, a viral video that was released by the Inquirer showed Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque's outburst directed at health workers opposing the government's decision to loosen quarantine restrcitions, saying "This group has never said anything good about the government response!"
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