OCTA notes uptick in Metro Manila's COVID-19 positivity rate

MANILA, Philippines — There is an uptick in the virus positivity rate in Metro Manila, the OCTA Research said Friday, noting the slight increase may be attributed to holiday gatherings.

In a tweet, OCTA Research fellow Guido David said the average positivity rate in the capital region from December 16 to 22 was 0.77. From December 12 to 18, the positivity rate was 0.62.

Positivity rate refers to the percentage of people who have tested positive from all those who underwent testing.

12.24.21. We are seeing an uptick in the positivity rate in the NCR but this may be due to the holidays. We will have more clarity by January 2022. Stay safe everyone! @dzbb @dzrhnews @DZAR1026 @NewsRmn @allangatus @News5PH @PhilstarNews @dwiz882 @dzme_1530khz @FEBC_ph @EagleNews pic.twitter.com/OTy21wAqsX

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) December 24, 2021

“Due to decreased testing during the holiday season, we will be unable to have a clear picture of the situation until the first week of January 2022,” David said.

“My interpretation at this time is that we are seeing a holiday uptick due to the increased number of social gatherings, and this is not a cause for panic, but we must continue to follow public health standards while enjoying the holidays,” he added.

The Philippines has reported over 2.83 million COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started. Of the total, only 0.3% are active cases.

Local health authorities have detected three imported cases of the Omicron variant, which appears to be more infectious than the already transmissible Delta variant. — Gaea Katreena Cabico