Metro Manila COVID active cases show ‘exponential’ growth – MMDA chair

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos (bottom inset photo) presents figures on the growth of active COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. The other inset photo shows forum moderator Marichu Villanueva. (Photo courtesy of MMDA)

MANILA, Philippines — The number of active COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila has been growing “exponentially,” Chairman Benhur Abalos of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Wednesday at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum.

There were only 1,184 active cases in Metro Manila as of Dec. 3, but by Jan. 3, the case had skyrocketed to 7,778, Abalos said, citing data from the Department of Health (DOH).

“The growth is really exponential,” he added.

The fewest active cases within a 30-day period were 463, which was recorded on Dec. 24, according to the data.

“This is the data we have collated from the city health officers of Metro Manila. This growth is surprising,” Abalos said, speaking in a mix of Filipino and English.

He pointed out that the Metro Manila mayors had been making decisions based on the data.

The mayors recently agreed to impose stricter restrictions on unvaccinated individuals shortly after Metro Manila was put under Alert Level 3, which would be in effect from Jan. 3 to 15.

On Wednesday, the DOH recorded 10,775 cases of  COVID-19, the highest case since October 2021.

The nationwide case tally is now at 2,871,745 — including 39,974 active cases, 2,780,109 recoveries, and 51,662 deaths, according to the DOH.

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