Philippines logs 1,744 new Covid-19 cases, WHO calls for 'careful' reopening of economy

A woman participates in a simulation for Covid-19 vaccination in preparation for its arrival, at an elementary school turned vaccination command center in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Feb 16, 2021. - Reuters

MANILA (Xinhua): The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines reported on Thursday (Feb 18) 1,744 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the tally in the Southeast Asian country to 555,163.

The death toll climbed to 11,673 after 96 more patients died from the viral disease, the DOH said.