Metro Manila positivity rate continues to decrease, says Octa

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MANILA, Philippines — The positivity rate in Metro Manila has continued to decrease, independent pandemic monitor Octa Research said on Friday.

In a Twitter post, Octa research fellow Guido David said the metropolis’ weekly positivity rate decreased to 15.3 percent as of August 17 from 17.2 percent as of August 10.

Despite slowing down, the current positivity rate of 15.3 percent is more than thrice of the World Health Organization’s benchmark of five percent.

Positivity rate refers to the number of people who test positive for every 100 tests.

David also said the reproduction number as of August 14 was at 1.01.

The reproduction number (r-naught) indicates how infectious a disease is. For instance, an r-naught of 1 means that each carrier can transmit the virus to one person, and the current r-naught of 1.01 means that each existing infection would cause more than one new infection.

Metro Manila remains under the moderate risk classification for COVID-19, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

As of Friday, the country reported 3,848,449 cases of the new coronavirus, including 37,225 active cases, 61,261 deaths and 3,749,963 recoveries.

NCR weekly positivity rate decreased to 15.3% as of Aug 17, from 17.2% as of August 10. The one week growth rate was -8% while the reproduction number as of Aug 14 was 1.01. Healthcare utilization went up from 36% to 40% while ICU occupancy went up from 33% to 36%. #Covid @dzbb pic.twitter.com/tf9GZ9jx8U

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) August 19, 2022