MANILA - Two major hospitals in the capital region have declared full capacity for treating coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a day after the health department reported over 2,000 new cases of the respiratory illness.

St. Luke's Medical Center said Monday its intensive care unit for COVID-19 patients in Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig were both in "full capacity" and urged the public to bring suspected cases to alternative medical centers. The hospitals however remain open to admit and treat non-virus cases.

"We appeal to the public to avoid complacency and strictly adhere to health protocols and preventive measures against COVID-19," St Luke's said.

The Makati Medical Center meanwhile said it "has reached its threshold in its capacity to respond to more COVID-19 patients," despite an augmented workforce.

"COVID-19 zones of MMC, both regular wards and the Critical Care units, and especially the Emergency Room, are now full," said MMC Medical Director Saturnino Javier in a letter to patients dated July 13.

"We will exert every effort to find you another healthcare facility of your choice (or ours)," it added, as it assured that "admitted non-COVID patients...will remain a priority as well."

The Philippines as of Sunday reported 56,259 cases of the novel coronavirus, with 16,046 recoveries and 1,534 deaths.

• Philippines records 2,124 new COVID-19 cases; recoveries, deaths spike

Announcement of fresh community quarantine classifications are expected on Wednesday, July 15, Malacañang said Monday as the country sees a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Experts earlier warned that Philippines may go past 60,000 cases by the end of July with 1,300 deaths,

University of the Philippines researchers project the number of virus infections in new hotspot Cebu province would be 15,000, assuming enhanced community quarantine will be in place there until July 31. If the protocols will be relaxed, it may surge to 20,000 to 30,000.