MANILA, Philippines — The COVID-19 reproduction number in Metro Manila soared to 2.19 as of December 27, the highest since July 2020, according to OCTA Research.
The reproduction number refers to the average number of new infections that stem from a positive case. Based on OCTA’s data, this figure was only at 0.47 as of December 20.
“The reproduction number in the NCR increased to 2.19 as of December 27… This is the highest reproduction number in the NCR since July 2020,” OCTA Research fellow Guido David said over Twitter.
NCR Reproduction Number Up to 2.19. Hospital bed occupancy increased but still very low at 20%. Have a safe and Happy New Year! @dzbb @allangatus @dzrhnews @DZAR1026 @News5PH @NewsRmn @dzme_1530khz @EagleNews @ABSCBNNews @dwiz882 @haydeesampang @PHINewsNet1 @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/XUy4d1UcJD
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) December 31, 2021
David said the reproduction number may be controlled by complying with minimum public health protocols and reducing social and mass gatherings.
“In the meantime, the number of COVID-19 hospital beds occupied increased by 16 percent to 1,712. At 20 percent occupancy, this is considered very low and is still far below the threshold level of 70 percent,” he noted.
“The number of COVID-19 ICU beds occupied increased by 20 percent to 297, which represents an ICU occupancy of 24 percent. This is also below the threshold level,” David added.
Metro Manila was recently classified as moderate risk for COVID-19 from the previous very low-risk classification.