QC now considered ‘very low risk’ for COVID-19; average weekly cases down to 200 — Octa

Mayor Joy Belmonte in one of her dialogues with QCitizens

MANILA, Philippines — The OCTA Research Group now considers Quezon City to be “very low risk” for COVID-19, with active cases just averaging below 200 per week.

In the latest report of OCTA from December 14 to 20, the average daily new cases per day in Quezon City is now at 15, down from 20 cases the previous week.

The reproduction number is at .36 while the average daily attack rate per 100,000 population is .47. The positivity rate is also down to .83% from 1.10% last week.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed elation at this findings of the independent research group, especially with the onset of the holiday season when economic activity in the city is just beginning to pick up amid the slump following the onslaught of the highly-transmissive Delta variant of the coronavirus.

“This is a special gift to all of us since Christmas is just a few days away. Somehow with these numbers, we can confidently celebrate with family and friends,” said Belmonte.

On top of this, only 73 barangays in the city were reported to have new cases last December 18.

Still, Belmonte reminded “QCitizens” to continue practicing basic health protocols during celebrations and gatherings.

“We are aware that this is the time for family reunions and other celebrations, but we must not be complacent. We can still be exposed to the infection so we need to protect ourselves,” she said.

As of December 22, the active cases are only 175 (.10%), recovered cases are at 178,681 (99%), and deaths are at 1,625 (.90%).

Meanwhile, vaccination rollouts continue in QC. As of December 22, the fully vaccinated individuals is now at 1,88o9,924 while 193,227 minors aged 12-17 with or without co-morbidities have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Quezon City Government also encourages everyone to get their vaccine shots before celebrating with others especially now that additional supplies of AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinovac, and Janssen vaccines have arrived in the city.

Dr. Maria Lourdes Eleria of the QC Task Force Vax to Normal said that booster shots are needed especially with the threat of the Omicron variant.

“Since Omicron variant is a threat, we are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated or get their booster shots. Booster shots are safe and provide additional protection to further strengthen one’s immunity,” Dr. Eleria said.

QCitizens vaccinated with their second doses of vaccine may avail of their booster shots after 3 months, following the recent announcement of the Department of Health which shortened the booster shot interval. However, for those who received Jannsen single-dose vaccine, they may receive their booster only after two months.

Vaccine schedules for first and second doses and booster shots for the pediatric population and adult population may be viewed and booked online.