FILE PHOTO: Colorized scanning electron micrograph of an apoptotic cell (red) infected with SARS-COV-2 virus particles (yellow), also known as novel coronavirus, isolated from a patient sample. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH/Handout via REUTERS
MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila’s COVID-19 positivity increased to 20.4 percent, as of May 3, according to Octa Research fellow Guido David on Thursday.
David said this seven-day rate was seven percent higher than the rate recorded on April 25 at 12.7 percent. On May 3, the rate was at 19.7 percent.
“The last time it was above 20 percent was on Jan. 29, 2022, during the Omicron BA.2 surge,” said David.
The current positivity rate is four times the World Health Organization’s ideal threshold for positivity rate of five percent.
Meanwhile, hospital occupancy in Metro Manila also increased slightly to 25.5 percent from May 3’s 24.7 percent.
NCR 7-day testing positivity rate was 20.4% as of May 3 2023, from 14% on Apr 26. The last time it was above 20% was on Jan 29 2022 during the Omicron BA.2 surge. Hospital occupancy increased slightly to 25.5% #Covid #COVID19 #Arcturus @dzbb @DZAR1026 @ali_sotto @wengsalvacion pic.twitter.com/Y0DwzqzC6A
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) May 4, 2023
COVID-19 positivity rate nationwide at 18%
On the other hand, the COVID-19 positivity rate nationwide rose to 18 percent, with 1,190 new infections recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday.
“Projecting 1300-1500 new cases on May 5, 2023,” said David.
May 4 2023 DOH reported 1190 new cases, 0 deaths (0 in NCR) 384 recoveries 8371 active cases. 18.0% nationwide positivity rate. 513 cases in NCR, 89 in Rizal, 78 in Cavite. Projecting 1300-1500 new cases on 5.5.23 #COVID19 #covid @dzbb @DZAR1026 @ali_sotto @dwiz882 pic.twitter.com/l8ESwqqTXj
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) May 4, 2023
As of May 4, the DOH’s online COVID-19 tracker shows a total caseload of 4,097,525, with 8,371 active cases, 4,022,710 recoveries and 66,44 deaths.
Notably, however, the DOH earlier reiterated that the positivity rate is not the sole criterion on the country’s COVID-19 situation, adding that the rate is already expected to increase due to the lower number of tests conducted.
DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire also previously assured the public that there is no need to panic as the health utilization rate remains low throughout the country.
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