The Philippines now has 3,018 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Department of Health (DOH) announced Friday.

“As of 4 p.m. today, the Department of Health reports 385 new cases (PH2634-PH3018) of Covid-19. The total number of cases in the country is now at 3,018,” it said in a bulletin.

Of this number, one additional patient has recovered while 29 new deaths were recorded, bringing the total number of recoveries to 52 and the deaths to 136.

The government had earlier announced the establishment of community quarantine facilities to cater to the suspected and confirmed Covid-19 patients who are asymptomatic or only exhibiting mild symptoms.

In Metro Manila, the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City and the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila are being prepared to serve as quarantine areas.

The government also targets to start mass testing of persons suspected of being carriers of the virus on April 14. (PNA)