NCR COVID-19 positivity rate drops 28%, but may peak next week

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila’s COVID-19 positivity rate is now at 28 percent, a downturn from the 41 percent recorded from the previous week, according to independent pandemic monitor OCTA Research.

While the capital region saw a lower growth rate this week, OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said that infections may still peak within seven days considering the current trend in additional COVID-19 cases.

In a tweet, he detailed that Metro Manila logged 802 cases per day from July 9 to 15, higher than the 624 daily infections reported from July 2 to 8.

This development affected its seven-day average daily attack rate which is currently at 5.57 per day for every 100,000 people.

OCTA Research, however, noted that Metro Manila’s reproduction number slightly decreased from 1.49 on July 5 to 1.38 on July 12.

Guido said the region’s healthcare utilization for COVID-19 “remained low at 29.6 percent” with 1,827 beds occupied.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) were similarly deemed low at 22.8 percent with 210 ICU beds occupied.

“This current wave is still far from the levels of the delta surge and the January omicron surge, and hospitals are not likely to get filled up. Still, the public is advised to take necessary precautions,” Guido explained.

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NCR growth rate at 28%. Cases are still rising but the current trends project to a peak within seven days. NCR ADAR at 5.57 per day per 100k. Hospital occupancy remained low at 29.6%. The public is advised to take necessary precautions. #COVID pic.twitter.com/YaqBsw1nB9

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

The Department of Health on Friday recorded 2,588 new infections in the country, bringing its active cases up to 18,090.

Among the fresh infections, 984 were accounted for in Metro Manila — an increase from 955 cases logged in the region on Thursday, July 14.

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Metro Manila’s new COVID-19 cases climb to 955 

JMS