‘Controlled COVID-19 transmission’ in Metro Manila expected by March 1 — OCTA

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila is expected to achieve the “controlled transmission” of COVID-19 by March 1, independent pandemic monitor OCTA Research said Tuesday.

OCTA fellow Guido David noted that COVID-19 infections are so far decreasing and the positivity rate in the National Capital Region is seen to further go down to less than 5%, which is the benchmark of the World Health Organization (WHO).

As of February 14, the positivity rate in Metro Manila is at 6.8%.

“Medyo malapit na tayo doon sa 5% benchmark ng WHO for positivity rate. Tingin naman natin patuloy pa na bababa ‘yung positivity rate,” David said in a Laging Handa public briefing.

(We are nearing the 5% benchmark of WHO for positivity rate. We think our positivity rate would decrease further.)

It is only when the COVID-19 positivity rate drops to less than 5% will an area achieve “controlled transmission” of the severe respiratory disease.

This can be achieved as long as individuals continue to comply with health protocols, David said.

“Safely by March 1, I think naabot na natin yan 5%. Most likely before March 1 but safely sabihin natin by March 1, naabot na natin itong less than 5% positivity rate sa Metro Manila,” he said.

(Safely by March, I think we have already achieved that 5%. It would most likely happen before March 1 but to be safe, we’re saying we will achieve it by March 1.)

David reiterated that it is still possible for new COVID-19 cases in the country to drop to 1,000 to 2,000 per day by the end of February or early March.

“Posible pa nga na less than 1,000 kung talagang mas mapabilis pa ‘yung pagbaba ng kaso,” he said.

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