COVID-19 cases drop in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City has recorded a significant decline in new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.

Citing the latest report of the OCTA Research Group, the city government said yesterday that the average number of daily new cases dropped from 1,183 during the peak last March 30 to April 5 to only 743 from April 20 to 26.

The reproduction number, which indicates the number of persons that a positive individual can infect, also dropped from 1.59 to 1.23, close to the recommended reproduction number of the World Health Organization of less than 1.

“Our increased efforts on testing, contact tracing and additional isolation facilities have greatly helped curb the increase in numbers. We will continue to improve our systems so that we can prevent surges,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte.

She noted that the average number of tests conducted per day is now at 3,298, following the opening of more community-based testing sites in the city.

The local government is also increasing its isolation and quarantine facilities, while additional beds were set up at the three city-operated hospitals.

Despite the downward trend, Belmonte reminded residents to continue doing their part by following basic health protocols especially when they commute to and from their workplaces, move outside their residences or enter business establishments.

Fifty-two areas are still under special concern lockdown due to clustering and possible community transmission of cases.

As of yesterday, the city has validated 81,321 cases, with 7,126 active, 73,200 recoveries and 995 deaths.