Rise in Metro Manila’s COVID cases ‘feels like Valentine spike’ – OCTA Research

By: Daphne Galvez - 2 years ago

Test tube of sample, positive for new coronavirus. File Photo

MANILA, Philippines — The increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila appears to be a “Valentine’s spike,” according to a fellow of an independent pandemic monitor.

OCTA Research’s Dr. Guido David noted that the 632 new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila that was recorded on Wednesday are “above” previous projections.

“632 new cases in the NCR. With mostly fresh cases, this feels like a Valentine spike. The figure shows that it is above the Jan 24 projections,” he said in a Twitter post on Wednesday night.

“Let’s continue to practice health protocols. The virus is still here,” he added.

632 new cases in the NCR. With mostly fresh cases, this feels like a Valentine spike. The figure shows that it is above the Jan 24 projections. Let's continue to practice health protocols. The virus is still here. @dzbb @DZAR1026 @allangatus @dzrhnews @dwiz882 @ali_sotto @NewsRmn pic.twitter.com/vNRdEMwxb8

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) February 16, 2022

Metro Manila registered the most number of fresh coronavirus infections on Wednesday, followed by Iloilo at 169 and Cebu at 131.

David said the following areas also recorded the most number of new COVID-19 cases, based on data from the Department of Health:

Cavite – 112
Batangas – 72
Bulacan – 69
South Cotabato – 69
Davao del Sur – 68
Benguet – 65
Rizal – 65
Zamboanga del Sur – 63
Palawan – 57
Laguna – 55
Zambales – 50
Negros Occidental – 48
Cotabato – 47
Pangasinan – 42
La Union – 39
Pampanga – 39
Bataan – 38

Provinces with the most new cases on 2.16.22. Data was extracted from https://t.co/kM89DgrHW7. Any errors in data should be addressed to DOH. @dzbb @allangatus @News5PH @dzrhnews @DZAR1026 @NewsRmn @dzme_1530khz @dwiz882 @ali_sotto @PhilstarNews @RMMendozaMT pic.twitter.com/mGhQ2IJdON

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) February 16, 2022

David added that the 2,761 fresh infections recorded in the Philippines on February 16 are “a little higher than the projected range,’ which was between 2,000 to 2,5000 cases.

OCTA Research earlier projected that Metro Manila’s COVID-19 cases will drop to less than 500 by Valentine’s Day.

Metro Manila is expected to achieve the “controlled transmission” of COVID-19 by March 1, David also said earlier.

KGA