COVID-19 cases still up in NCR, 3 regions – DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region (NCR) and three other regions have been flagged by the Department of Health (DOH) for spiking COVID-19 cases.

According to DOH chief epidemiologist Althea de Guzman, eight cities in NCR – Valenzuela, Pasay, Malabon, Pasig, Makati, Navotas, Las Piñas and Manila – recorded rising numbers while cases in other regions are observed to be “plateauing” during the past two weeks.

“After the rise in cases during the first week of January, what we see, if not a decrease in cases, is the plateauing of cases in other regions. This means that the number of cases being reported (daily) is the same,” she reported during the DOH Kapihan forum.

De Guzman likewise noted that health care utilization rate (HCUR) of NCR is still at “safe zone,” meaning hospitals can still cope with rising COVID-19 cases.

Data showed that NCR had 227,359 cases, almost half of the total 552,246 COVID-19 cases documented nationwide, as of Feb. 16.

Aside from NCR, the DOH flagged Central Visayas region because of a “steep rise” in cases in Cebu (particularly Cebu, Lapu-lapu and Mandaue cities) and Bohol.

Northern Mindanao – particularly Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and Misamis Oriental – is also being closely monitored after trends show a sharp increase in cases since January. Also in the radar is Caraga region which had 7,290 cases as of Feb. 15.

Data showed Central Visayas had 34,769 cases while Northern Mindanao had 11,459 cases as of Feb. 15, while HCUR are both in the safe zone.

“All areas except Agusan del Sur show continuous increase (in cases). The HCUR is in safe zone, except Agusan del Norte (which is) in high risk,” De Guzman concluded.