ICU capacity in 10 regions at high risk

MANILA, Philippines — The utilization rate of intensive care unit (ICU) beds allotted for COVID-19 patients are at high risk in 10 regions, according to the Department of Health.

DOH data showed that ICU beds in the Cordilleras, Cagayan Valley, Zamboanga peninsula, Calabarzon, Davao, Caraga, Central Luzon,  Soccsksargen, Bicol and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are between 70.83 to 88.41 percent occupied.

ICU bed occupancy in Ilocos, Western Visayas, Mimaropa, Northern Mindanao and Metro Manila are at moderate risk.

In Eastern Visayas, ICU bed utilization rate  is at low risk.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Metro Manila showed a negative two-week growth rate for COVID-19 and a high-risk average daily attack rate.

“The ADAR decreased to 18.31 per 100,000 population in recent weeks. Its health system capacity is at moderate risk with total bed and ICU utilization rate at 51 and 69 percent, respectively,” Vergeire said.

The DOH said ICU bed occupancy in Metro Manila was at 68.9 percent as of Oct. 9, an improvement compared to 74.9 percent as of Oct. 1.

“The NCR total bed utilization is on a decline, currently at 53 percent,” Vergeire said.