Daily COVID-19 cases in NCR could drop to less than 100 by Christmas

SIGN OF THINGS TO COME Imagine the joy of families attending live Mass together again as churches such as the Manila Cathedral on Sunday open their doors to adults and minors under more relaxed virus restrictions in Metro Manila. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — The average number of new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila further decreased to less than 300 for the first time since January and may further drop to below 100 around Christmas time, independent analytics group OCTA Research said Tuesday.

Based on OCTA’s report posted by its fellow Guido David on Twitter, new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila averaged just 293 from November 16 to 22. He said the last time the seven-day average in the region was below 300 was from January 2 to 8.

“Based on current trends, the 7-day average in the NCR could decrease to less than 200 by the first week of December and to less than 100 around Christmas,” David said.

11.23.21. The 7-day average in the NCR decreased to less than 300 for the first time since January 2 to 8, 2021. The positivity rate was 2%. Based on current trends, the 7-day average could decrease to less than 200 by first week of December. @dzbb @allangatus @DZAR1026 @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/yMxooaiIa1

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) November 23, 2021

However, he stressed that the public must continue to adhere to minimum public health standards to sustain the current trends.

“The positive growth observed in new COVID-19 cases in the NCR during the previous week (from November 7 to 11) has reverted back to negative growth, with a most current growth rate of -31%,” David added.

Meanwhile, the average daily attack rate in Metro Manila decreased to 2.07 per day per 100,000 individuals. This means that an average of 2 people test positive for COVID-19 for every 100,000 people in the region per day.

The reproduction number of COVID-19 in the metropolis is currently 0.50.

“The positivity rate also remained steady at 2%. Healthcare utilization remained very low at 24% while ICU (intensive care unit) occupancy was low at 31%,” David reported.

Metro Manila has 4,345 cases of COVID-19 as of Monday.

EDV