Manila Philippines mask covid
People wearing face masks and face shields as protection from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) queue outside a newly reopened historical site, in Manila, Philippines, February 18, 2021. Image Credit: Reuters

The Philippines' health ministry on Friday reported 2,651 new coronavirus infections, the highest daily increase in cases in more than four months, and 46 additional deaths.

In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed cases had increased to 571,327, while confirmed deaths were at 12,247. The Philippines, which has Southeast Asia's second-highest COVID-19 caseload will take delivery of its first vaccines at the weekend, allowing it to kick off its inoculation programme.