Philippines nears 7,000 coronavirus cases, reports 16 new deaths

President Rodrigo Duterte has is mulling on whether or not to impose a ‘martial law-like lockdown’ because of a huge number of quarantine violators. (AFP)

• But 29 more patients have recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 722

MANILA: The Philippines’ health ministry on Thursday reported 16 new coronavirus deaths and 271 confirmed infections, ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision whether to lift or extend quarantine measures on the country’s main island.
In a bulletin, the health ministry said total deaths have increased to 462 while infections have risen to 6,981. But 29 more patients have recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 722.