FILE PHOTO: A computer image created by Nexu Science Communication together with Trinity College in Dublin, shows a model structurally representative of a betacoronavirus which is the type of virus linked to COVID-19, shared with Reuters on February 18, 2020. NEXU Science Communication/via REUTERS
The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday maintained that Metro Manila remains at a low risk classification, as a sustained growth in COVID-19 infections alone does not merit an escalation to moderate risk.
“For an area to be classified under moderate risk, it should have a positive two-week growth rate and average daily attack rate (Adar) of at least six average cases per day per 100,000 population. From the perspective of health-care utilization rate (HCUR), there should also be moderate risk HCUR for escalation to alert level 2 to happen,” the DOH said in a statement.
According to the latest DOH data as of June 15, Metro Manila sustained a positive two-week growth rate, but its Adar is still at less than one case per 100,000 population, way below the benchmark of six cases per 100,000 for an area to be considered moderate risk.
For Metro Manila to get to alert level 2, its Adar would have to reach at least 818 cases daily for two weeks. The DOH also said that hospitalizations also remain at low risk, citing vaccination and adherence to health protocols. —KATHLEEN DE VILLA
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