MANILA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines surged to 314,079 after the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported 2,415 new daily cases on Thursday.
The DOH said that the number of recoveries also rose to 254,223 after 771 more patients recovered. Meanwhile, 59 more patients died from the viral disease, bringing the death toll to 5,562.
Metro Manila topped the regions in the country with the highest number of daily confirmed cases on Thursday with 930.
The DOH said over 3.52 million people in the Philippines have been tested so far. The Philippines has a population of about 109 million.
Meanwhile, 9,613 healthcare workers have contracted the coronavirus since the disease emerged in the country in January, and 61 died from the disease, the DOH said.
In as early as mid-April, the DOH has embarked on an emergency hiring of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers as part of the government's effort to strengthen its healthcare system.
The DOH said the government needs at least 10,693 people to beef up the medical staff in hospitals and laboratories following the surge of COVID-19 cases.
Out of the 10,693, the country's Department of Labor and Employment said on Thursday 8,056 healthcare workers have been hired so far. Nurses account for the largest chunk of hires by profession, followed by medical technologists. Enditem
