MANILA, Philippines — The COVID-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila jumped from 12.7 percent on April 25 to 19.7 percent on May 2, 2023, while the national positivity rate slightly increased from 15.2 percent to 17.1 percent, OCTA Research fellow Guido David said on Wednesday.
David warned that Metro Manila’s positivity rate may rise further.
“This could go as high as 25 percent. I hope not,” said David.
“There is a chance it could reach 25 percent within 1 week or so,” he added.
Meanwhile, the hospital bed occupancy rate in Metro Manila also slightly increased from 22.5 percent on April 25 to to 24.7 percent on May 2, 2023
NCR 7-day testing positivity rate increased to 19.7% as of May 2 2023, from 12.7% on Apr 25. This could go as high as 25%. I hope not. NCR Hospital Occupancy increased to 24.7% on May 2, from 22.5% on Apr 25. #COVID19 #Covid #Arcturus @dzbb @DZAR1026 @dzrhnews @ali_sotto pic.twitter.com/ulHIKsykiC
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) May 3, 2023
Based on the Department of Health’s online COVID-19 tracker, 867 new infections were recorded on May 2, bringing the number of active cases to 7,565.
The country’s COVID-19 caseload is now at 4,096,335, with 4,022,326 recoveries and 66,444 deaths.
According to David, 392 of the total infections were recorded in Metro Manila.
“Projecting 1,100 to 1,300 new cases on May 4, 2023,” he said.
May 3 2023 DOH reported 867 new cases, 0 deaths (0 in NCR) 389 recoveries 7565 active cases. 17.1% nationwide positivity rate. 392 cases in NCR, 64 in Cavite, 58 in Laguna. Projecting 1100-1300 new cases on 5.4.23 #COVID19 #covid @dzbb @DZAR1026 @ali_sotto @dwiz882 pic.twitter.com/WffG3Fiz9O
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) May 3, 2023
The DOH, however, previously assured the public that there is no need to panic as the health utilization rate remains low throughout the country.
DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire also explained that the COVID-19 positivity rate is not the only basis for assessing the country’s COVID-19 situation as it is only derived from the number of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in a specific number of RT-PCR tests conducted — which is significantly less than the previous year’s.