Philippines reports 2,611 novel coronavirus cases, 56 more deaths

Filipino devotees flock outside the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene to catch the first Friday mass of the month, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines, October 2, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

The Philippines' health ministry on Friday confirmed 2,611 new coronavirus infections and 56 additional deaths.

In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed infections in the country had reached 316,678, the highest number in Southeast Asia, while deaths had increased to 5,616.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales)