MANILA, Philippines — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 cases in Calabarzon and Bulacan has been increasing, with clustering of cases recorded in more than 400 areas.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said clustering of cases was recorded in 382 areas in Calabarzon, 358 of them in communities, six in hospitals and health facilities and four in jails.
In Bulacan, clustering of cases was reported in 58 communities and two jails.
The University of the Philippines OCTA Research Group had earlier identified Calabarzon and Bulacan as “emerging hotspots” for COVID-19.
Vergeire said the clustering of cases could be due to expanded testing and efficient contact tracing.
“Before, the government was able to trace 45 percent of the contacts. It has increased to 70 percent. This means that the accomplishment and efficiency of contact tracers increased as well,” she said.
Data showed that the number of contacts traced per infected individual increased from three to 10.
“The other factor is that there is community transmission and we see clusters of infections regularly,” Vergeire said.
The Department of Health is monitoring 53 provinces, highly urbanized cities and independent component cities where the number of cases surged from Aug. 17 to 30 and from Aug. 21 to Sept. 13.
These are in Sarangani, Nueva Vizcaya, South Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi, Abra, Biliran, La Union, Bataan, Sultan Kudarat, Ifugao, Aurora, Negros Occidental, Davao del Sur, Capiz as well as the cities of Cotabato, General Santos, Dagupan, Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa and Butuan.