Health authorities on Thursday listed 16,313 new coronavirus cases to push the Philippines' total to 1,899,200.

The task force co-chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Public Works and Highways aim to remove sandbars in Bicol River by 2023 and in Cagayan River by 2025.

Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, Philippine National Police chief, on Thursday ordered unit and area commanders to start security preparations to make sure the 2022 national polls are peaceful and orderly.

"The 6,500 slots are almost running out because we continue to deploy HCWs to countries of destination," POEA administrator Bernard Olalia said partially in Filipino. 

Effects of ECQ could be felt in the next two to three weeks, according to DOH officials.  

"If we look at patients in PGH, 70% admitted are unvaccinated," a Philippine General Hospital official said.

Officials said the procurement was made from funds under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. 

The Department of Labor and Employment said the National Task Force against COVID-19 has approved their request for additional vaccines for workers in the manufacturing and construction industries.

The Philippines has received 362,700 more doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine as part of its procured supply.

The Philippines may reach a total of two million COVID-19 cases in two weeks, according to projections made by a member of OCTA Research.