MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health on Thursday, Christmas eve, reported 1,776 new COVID-19 infections, pushing national tally to 465,724. The highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases was traced trace to Quezon City with 128 new infections, followed by Davao City with 121, Rizal with 94, Samar (Western Samar) with 57, and Bulacan with 56. This leaves 26,179 active cases in the country or 5.6% of the total recorded infections. No Christmas partiesEarly in December, the government announced a ban on Christmas parties in Metro Manila which remains under General Community Quarantine until the end of the year. Authorities instead urged the public to hold virtual Christmas parties inside of physical get-togethers.

Source: Philippine Star December 24, 2020 08:03 UTC