Metro Manila posts slow uptick in COVID-19 cases – OCTA

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila’s COVID positivity rate, reproduction number and hospital care utilization rate again posted slight increases in the past week, the OCTA Research Group reported yesterday.

OCTA fellow Guido David noted that despite the slight rise in COVID infections, the National Capital Region (NCR) remains under the low risk category.

“The increase in COVID-19 cases is very slow at this time,” David said, adding that there is no cause for alarm.

He said the public should remain vigilant and must continue to follow minimum health protocols.

OCTA said Metro Manila’s COVID-19 positivity rate increased from 1.2 to 1.4 percent over an average of 11,047 tests per day.

Citing records of the Department of Health, the research group said the NCR posted a two percent increase in new COVID infections per day, from 72 cases from May 16 to 22 to 74 cases from May 23 to 29.

OCTA said the one-week average daily attack rate or ADAR increased from 0.51 to 0.52 over the past week but remained at less than 1.

The COVID-19 reproduction number likewise rose from 1.02 to 1.08 while hospital care utilization rate increased from 22 percent to 23 percent.

“Overall, the NCR remains at low risk category,” OCTA said.