Philippines prepares more hospitals beds with record Covid-19 cases and rising Omicron infections

Police officers man the Quaipo Church to prevent devotees from from entering, as Philippine authorities cancel the annual 'Black Nazarene' procession amid rise of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, in Manila, Philippines, January 9, 2022. - Reuters

MANILA, Jan 9 (Reuters): The Philippines ordered an increase in hospital beds and medical resources in and around the capital Manila, a senior government official said on Sunday, as the country set another record for new Covid-19 infections.

Nearly 60% of the 28,707 cases came from the capital region, which has seen a steady increase in admissions in recent days, although hospital capacity in the area was still below critical levels, government data showed.