COVID-19 cases on downward trend in 7 Visayas HUCs — OCTA Research

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MANILA, Philippines — COVID-19 cases have exhibited signs of a downward trend in seven highly-urbanized cities (HUCs) in the Visayas, independent analytics group OCTA Research said Wednesday.

According to OCTA Research fellow Guido David, “downward trends [have been] observed in Lapu Lapu, Ormoc, Tacloban, Bacolod, Cebu City, Iloilo City, [and] Mandaue.”

“The first three are at high risk while the latter four remained at very high risk,” he said over Twitter.

Risk Levels in Visayas HUCs. Downward trends observed in Lapu Lapu, Ormoc, Tacloban, Bacolod, Cebu City, Iloilo City, Mandaue. The first three are at high risk while the latter four remained at very high risk. Wishing the best for Visayas. @dzbb @allangatus @DZAR1026 @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/qjuMqR1qfr

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) February 2, 2022

Data shared by David showed that Bacolod posted a -23 percent one-week growth rate; Cebu City, -46 percent; Iloilo City, -37 percent; Lapu-Lapu, -34 percent; Mandaue, -37 percent; Ormoc, -34 percent; and Tacloban, -55 percent.

The indicators being used by OCTA in classifying risk levels are based on US nonprofit COVID Act Now and are different from the Department of Health (DOH) metrics.

Last week, the DOH noted that it has observed an increase in COVID-19 cases in parts of Visayas and Mindanao, particularly in Western and Central Visayas and in Davao Region.

The DOH likewise said that COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila and the NCR Plus are decreasing.

READ: Metro Manila downgraded to moderate risk status for COVID-19

/abc