The Department of Health on Tuesday recorded a total of 1,821 new COVID-19 cases as the country approaches the holiday season.

Based on the department's latest case bulletin, the daily average cases are now 260, which is 36 percent higher than cases reported last week,

The department also reported 13 new cases of severe and critical cases, as well as 13 deaths over the past week.

"Of the 13 deaths, 3 occurred in December 2023, and 10 in November 2023," it said.

With the new cases, 1,863 out of 11,111 non-intensive care unit cases were now occupied while 176 out of 1,298 ICU beds were occupied.

Meanwhile, 228 beds allotted to severe and critical admissions are currently occupied.

The Health department previously reported a slow increase in the number of COVID cases, as well as influenza-like illnesses.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa warns of increased respiratory cases due to changes in season and mobility during holidays.

Herbosa noted that cases of respiratory diseases are normal during the colder season.