CEBU CITY - The number of COVID-19 patients in Cebu City who recuperated from the disease is higher than the city's current active cases, the Department of Health in Central Visayas said in its latest bulletin.

As of Sunday, the city has logged 4,420 recoveries, while its active cases are 3,241.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 8,072, including 411 deaths.

According to Mayor Edgardo Labella, the high rate of recovery is a welcome development even as testing and tracing continues.

"We will not stop until we reach the standard of the World Health Organization," said Labella.

The DOH Region 7 said the high number of recoveries could be a factor to downgrade the quarantine status of the city.

"People are now aware. It is a good indicator and a good factor," said DOH-7 spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche who attributed the recoveries and slow spike of new cases to the strict modified enhanced community quarantine.

However, Loreche said that this should not make people complacent.

"We have to look at the recoveries at two prongs," she added noting that while it may be good news, it should make others aware that community transmission is still happening.

Every week, the Cebu City Quarantine Center discharges more than 50 patients since the quarantine period started.

Meanwhile, jeepney drivers in the city held a lightning rally to air their desire to regain their livelihood.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region 7 Director Eduardo Montealto said special permits are issued first to buses since it is easier to implement physical distancing inside buses.

Only 10 buses were allowed to travel despite the prohibition of any mode of public transportation under an MECQ classification.

"But the mayor asked (for it), for the authorized persons outside authority," explained Montealto.

Since the imposition of the MECQ in the city, most industries started to open, although with little to no customers.