5 NCR cities improve to ‘moderate’ risk – OCTA

MANILA, Philippines — Five cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) have improved to “moderate” risk following significant developments in COVID-19 indicators, a member of the OCTA Research Group reported yesterday.

From “high” risk classification last week, OCTA fellow Guido David said Caloocan, Manila, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela are now tagged as “moderate” risk.

David noted the significant drop in the number of daily new COVID-19 cases in these cities as well as the lower reproduction rate.

Citing data from the Department of Health (DOH), David said Manila posted an average of 479 daily new COVID cases from Jan. 20 to 26, down 67 percent from the preceding week.

Caloocan logged a seven-day average of 247 COVID-19 cases, for a 72 percent drop. Valenzuela recorded 149 cases or a decrease of 68 percent. Malabon registered 85 infections for a drop of 71 percent and Navotas posted 45 cases, down 77 percent from the previous week.

OCTA said all five cities have “very low” reproduction numbers, although their average daily attack rates per 100,000 people are still classified as “high.”

David said the rest of the NCR is still at “high risk” classification.

Earlier, David expressed optimism that the entire region may revert to “moderate” or even “low risk” category in the coming days.

He projected that the number of daily new COVID-19 cases may drop to around 500 by Feb. 14.

During an interview with “The Chiefs” on One News/TV5 on Thursday night, David confirmed that the trend is genuinely declining and not just due to the new testing protocol of the DOH.

Aside from the number of new COVID-19 infections, David cited the decreasing positivity rate and hospital utilization in Metro Manila.

OCTA fellow and molecular biologist Nicanor Austriaco said it is unlikely for the NCR to experience another Omicron surge, adding that “there’s no more wood to burn.”

COVID-free barangays

In Caloocan, 106 barangays have not recorded active COVID cases in the past week.

The city health office said Caloocan has logged 69,361 COVID-19 cases with 67,420 recoveries, 1,671 deaths and 270 active cases.

Officials urged residents to continue observing health protocols and get vaccinated to avoid contracting the virus. – Ghio Ong