NCR’s COVID-19 positivity rate exceeds 50% for the first time — OCTA

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region (NCR)’s COVID-19 positivity rate exceeded 50 percent for the first time, independent pandemic monitor Octa Research said on Sunday.

Octa Research fellow Dr. Guido David, however, noted that the rate of positivity rate increase “could be slowing down.”

“The positivity rate in the NCR was 50.5% as of January 7, 2022, the first time it exceeded 50% in the NCR,” David said on Twitter.

Positivity rate in the NCR exceeds 50% but is it slowing down? Will NCR peak soon? Daily projections: NCR 17k PH 27k. @dzbb @dzrhnews @allangatus @DZAR1026 @News5PH @NewsRmn @dwiz882 @dzme_1530khz @EagleNews @ABSCBNNews @PhilstarNews @haydeesampang @CarolynBonquin @bworldph pic.twitter.com/1DGzf7VdDc

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) January 9, 2022

“The data from DOH (Department of Health) shows that the rate of increase of the positivity rate could be slowing down,” he added.

Data in the following days will show if the positivity rate is “slowing down or if it is just an artificial effect,” the fellow said.

Should the spike in positivity rate slow down, the peak of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila might occur within the week, said David.

COVID-19 positivity rate refers to the number of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — among tested individuals.

The DOH on Saturday logged a 43.7-percent positivity rate, way above than the World Health Organization standard of five percent or less.

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