PH COVID-19 positivity rate still within WHO benchmark

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

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s current COVID-19 positivity rate is still within the World Health Organization’s (WHO) benchmark.

This after the country logged a positivity rate of 3.7 percent, according to the Department of Health, which is well within the WHO’s benchmark of five percent.

“According to the latest data from our Epidemiology Bureau and COVID-19 surveillance unit, as of June 21, 2022, the national positivity rate is now at 3.7%,” the DOH said in a statement.

However, DOH said Metro Manila’s positivity rate this week is now at 5.2 percent, compared to 3.2 percent of the previous week.

DOH’s projections is similar to that of independent pandemic monitor Octa Research, who said the positivity rate is at 5.5 percent.

The Health Department said all other regions in the country saw an increase in positivity rates as well.

However, the DOH reminded the public that the positivity rate should not be the sole metric for assessing our current COVID-19 situation.

“The positivity rate is affected by the number of tests done. Our protocol for testing is risk-based, meaning we conduct fewer tests that are directed towards more likely positive cases. This gives us a higher positivity rate,” the DOH explained.

The agency continued: “It is important to consider the overall picture of transmission and case severity, which is what the Alert Level System does.”

JPV