COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila slightly up – OCTA

MANILA, Philippines — The average number of new COVID-19 cases per day in Metro Manila and reproduction rate increased slightly over the past week, the OCTA Research Group reported yesterday.

OCTA said there is no reason for the public to be alarmed at this point, but the people should not be complacent.

OCTA fellow Guido David said the National Capital Region (NCR) posted an eight percent increase in reproduction rate from Nov. 8 to 14.

David noted that Metro Manila’s reproduction number has been consistently negative since Sept. 18 when the downward trend in COVID-19 cases per day was confirmed.

During the past week, OCTA said the average daily COVID-19 cases increased from 404 to 435. The reproduction rate also rose from 0.37 to 0.52.

“There is no indication yet of an upward trend. At this time, we assume we are seeing a re-adjustment in COVID numbers due to backlog,” David said.

Health Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that the NCR remains at low risk for COVID-19.

“However, the region showed a positive two-week growth rate. The daily cases of COVID-19 in NCR have plateaued in recent weeks,” Vergeire said at a press briefing.

Data showed that the heathcare and ICU (intensive care unit) utilization rates are still low at 26.55 percent and 30.72 percent, respectively.

Vergeire said there is no cause for alarm, but she did not discount the possibility that COVID cases might surge again in Metro Manila due to the increased mobility of people under Alert Level 2.

Vergeire said it is still possible for the NCR to ease further to Alert Level 1 by December if the low risk classification would be sustained.

The health department said only the Cordillera Administrative Region remains at moderate risk classification.

Citing the country’s “epidemic curve,” Vergeire pointed out that COVID-19 cases nationwide decreased from 2,341 to 1,988, for a 15-percent drop in the past two weeks.

P14.4-B economic output, jobs

The extension of Alert Level 2 classification in Metro Manila is expected to yield P14.4 billion in economic output over the month-long implementation of the current status.

Based on estimates by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the NCR will gain P3.6 billion in economic output and provide 16,000 jobs on a weekly basis.

Metro Manila will remain under Alert Level 2 until Nov. 30. This means that economic gains will reach P14.4 billion and will generate an additional 64,000 jobs, according to NEDA.

Under Alert Level 2, more businesses are allowed to operate at 50 percent indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and at 70 percent outdoor capacity. – Sheila Crisostomo, Louise Maureen Simeon