THREAD: The Health Department holds a media briefing on COVID-19.

Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire on the 1,046 newly reported cases on Friday, reiterates most are part of validation backlog: Hindi po ibig sabihin na lumalala po ang ating sitwasyon.

Public health epidemiologist Dr. Troy Gepte cites slower increase in COVID-19 deaths, says most fatalities were recorded end March and early April.

DOH: 6 days ang doubling time in Metro Manila kumpara sa nakaraang buwan na 3 to 4 days.

DOH: Kaunti na lang ang namamatay, mas marami ang aware at nag-iingat na mahawa at makahawa pa.

DOH: Sa mga nakaraang mg araw, bagamat maraming narereport na late cases, kakaunti lamang po ang bagong cases.

Dr. Gepte: In the last two weeks of May, makikita niyo ba bumababa na ang bilang ng kaso (based on date of onset of illness).

DOH: Meron na po tayong 37 licensed laboratories na gumagawa ng RT-PCR testing and 11 GeneXpert labs.

DOH on health system capacity: Handa po tayo sa patuloy po nating paglaban sa COVID-19.

DOH: Tayo po ay papasok na sa general community quarantine, bagamat inaasam natin lahat ito, kami ay nagpapaalala pa rin sa ating health protocols.

DOH reminds the public to continue following preventive measures once quarantine restrictions ease on June 1.

DOH ends virtual presser without presenting today's case bulletin, which includes number of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and recoveries.