IMAGE Daniella Marie Agacer
MANILA, Philippines — The one-week growth rate and reproduction number of COVID-19 infections in Metro Manila have both decreased, independent pandemic monitor Octa Research group said on Wednesday, expressing hope that cases may peak “soon.”
Octa fellow Dr. Guido David said Metro Manila’s COVID-19 growth rate declined 14% on August 2 from the 21% recorded on July 26.
The reproduction number decreased to 1.24 on August 2 from 1.33 on July 26.
David also noted that the healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) in the National Capital Region remained low, maintaining the region under a moderate risk for COVID-19.
“There is again hope that cases will peak soon. HCUR remained low. NCR still under moderate risk. Let us all stay safe!” he said in a Twitter post.
NCR indicators as of August 2, 2022 (compared with July 26). The growth rate decreased to 14% while the reproduction number decreased to 1.24. There is again hope that cases will peak soon. HCUR remained low. NCR still under moderate risk. Let us all stay safe! #COVID19 @dzbb pic.twitter.com/ISNOdqvQCE
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) August 3, 2022
According to Octa, however, the COVID-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila jumped to 16.9% from the 15.5%.
In a text message to Inquirer.net, David said the seeming peaking of cases soon is “a good thing” and the Octa group is expecting it to happen by mid-August.
“Yes, it is a good thing because cases are still rising in the NCR (National Capital Region). We hope it peaks soon, by mid-August,” he said.
The Octa research group earlier projected that COVID-19 cases in the capital region would peak by the first week or second week of July after seeing a decrease in the growth rate then.
David said the wave of the COVID-19 cases “has already been prolonged,” possibly due to the waning immunity or the emergence of new subvariants.