PH’s new COVID-19 cases rise by 41% in past week — OCTA Research

FILE PHOTO: A computer image created by Nexu Science Communication together with Trinity College in Dublin, shows a model structurally representative of a betacoronavirus which is the type of virus linked to COVID-19, shared with Reuters on February 18, 2020. NEXU Science Communication/via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — New COVID-19 cases rose by 41 percent in the previous week, OCTA Research said Wednesday as the country’s count of active coronavirus infections swells to over 100,000.

According to the group’s latest report, the country recorded an average of 12,788 new COVID-19 cases per day from August 11 to 17, higher than the average of 9,088 new cases from August 4 to 10.

The average daily attack rate (ADAR) at the national level was at 11.76, while the positivity rate was at 23 percent and the reproduction number was at 1.54.

The Philippines recorded an average of 12,788 new COVID-19 cases per day from August 11 to 17, 41 percent higher than the 9,088 average new cases from August 4 to 10, according to OCTA Research. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/C5pLXCmxdL

— Cathrine Gonzales (@cgonzalesINQ) August 18, 2021

ADAR is the number of new daily cases per 100,000 population, while positivity rate is the number of people found positive for the virus among those tested. On the other hand, the Reproduction number is the average number of people estimated to be infected by one patient.

The country’s intensive care utilization rate was at 71 percent classified as high risk. Earlier, the DOH said the national healthcare utilization rate for COVID-19 patients has reached moderate risk at 62 percent.

The increase in infections was likewise high in Metro Manila. According to the independent pandemic monitor, the capital region saw an average of 3,527 new daily cases from August 11 to 17, 52 percent higher than the 2,315 average cases from the previous week.

The region has 25.25 ADAR, 21 percent positivity rate, 1.78 reproduction number, and 69 percent ICU utilization classified as moderate risk. Metro Manila remains under enhanced community quarantine until August 20 in a bid to decrease the cases, but health experts say the effect of the lockdown will only be felt two weeks after.

The country currently has 105,151 active COVID-19 cases, including the 11,085 new cases on Wednesday.

JPV