A health worker prepares a dose of Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology’s Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine during a vaccination for residents in Mandaluyong City, suburban Manila on July 15, 2021. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — The COVID-19 positivity rate in the country, which had been in an upward trend since February, has risen to 8.8 percent, said independent pandemic monitor OCTA Research.
In a Twitter post, OCTA fellow Guido David said the nationwide positivity rate inched up from 8.5 percent to 8.8 percent after 530 fresh infections were added to the tally on Thursday.
Apr 20 2023 DOH reported 530 new cases, 1 deaths (1 in NCR) 1441 recoveries 7340 active cases. 8.8% nationwide positivity rate. 185 cases in NCR, 33 in Davao del Sur, 27 in Cebu. Projecting 500-600 new cases on 4.21.23 #COVID19 #covid @dzbb @DZAR1026 @ali_sotto @dwiz882 @NewsRmn pic.twitter.com/fuosXKXyHc
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) April 20, 2023
A total of 185 cases were recorded in Metro Manila, 33 in Davao del Sur, and 27 in Cebu, he said.
This, David said, brings the positivity rate in Metro Manila to 8.4 percent.
Meanwhile, he took note that around 500 to 600 new infections are expected to be recorded on Friday.
The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said it is monitoring 7,340 active COVID-19 cases nationwide.
DOH officer- in – charge Maria Rosario Vergeire previously said it was not yet a cause for alarm and thus, the proposed return of the mask mandate is not being considered by the department.
She, however, encouraged the use of face masks “in crowded and poorly ventilated places.”
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