FILE PHOTO: Colorized scanning electron micrograph of an apoptotic cell (red) infected with SARS-COV-2 virus particles (yellow), also known as novel coronavirus, isolated from a patient sample. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH/Handout via REUTERS.
MANILA, Philippines — The COVID-19 reproduction number in Metro Manila further decreased to 0.55, the lowest since May 18, OCTA Research said Tuesday.
According to OCTA’s report posted by Guido David on Twitter, the reproduction number in the capital region was at 0.56 on May 18.
“At that time, the 7-day average in cases was 1,367. The current 7-day average in the NCR (National Capital Region) is 1,411. Hopefully the reproduction number stays below 0.6 until year’s end,” David said.
Reproduction number in NCR decreased to 0.55 as of 10.18.21, the lowest since 5.18.21 when it was at 0.56. The 7-day average is now 1411. We hope we can keep Rt below 0.6 the rest of the year @dzbb @allangatus @cnnphilippines @DZAR1026 @dzrhnews @News5PH @NewsRmn @dwiz882 pic.twitter.com/KlE1dDovB9
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) October 19, 2021
David earlier said that the reproduction number in the metropolis as of Sunday was at 0.57.
The COVID-19 reproduction number is the average number of new infections estimated to stem from one positive case. Experts earlier said that the ideal reproduction number is less than one to indicate a downward trend in cases.
Metro Manila has 13,869 active cases of the disease as of Monday, according to the tracker of the Department of Health (DOH). Nationwide, the active cases were at 68,832.
All local government units in Metro Manila are now under moderate risk for COVID-19 based on OCTA Research’s metrics.
According to David, Metro Manila may see only 400 to 600 new daily cases while the entire country may record 3,000 to 4,000 new infections daily by December.
The DOH earlier said that the Philippines is seeing a decline in new COVID-19 cases after previously posting over 20,000 new infections in September. On Monday, only 6,943 new cases were reported nationwide.