MANILA, Philippines — The country’s COVID-19 positivity rate on Tuesday rose to 20.9 percent from 18.8 percent on Monday, according to OCTA Research fellow Guido David.
The increased rate reflects the 1,165 new infections recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday. A total of 553 cases were recorded in Metro Manila alone.
“Projecting 1,500 to 1,700 new cases on May 10, 2023,” said David.
May 9 2023 DOH reported 1165 new cases, 0 deaths (0 in NCR) 1201 recoveries 12125 active cases. 20.9% nationwide positivity rate. 553 cases in NCR. Projecting 1500-1700 new cases on 5.10.23 #COVID19 #covid @dzbb @DZAR1026 @ali_sotto @dwiz882 @AthenaImperial_ @DrMichaelTee pic.twitter.com/rm150uZuzx
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) May 9, 2023
The current positivity rate is four times over the World Health Organization’s ideal threshold of 5 percent.
Based on the DOH’s online COVID-19 tracker, the country’s virus caseload is currently at 4,105,498, with 12,125 active cases, 4,026,920 recoveries and 66,453 deaths.
DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, during a briefing reiterated that the positivity rate is not the sole criterion on the country’s COVID-19 situation.
She added that the increase and decreases in the number of infections are expected due to the lower number of tests conducted, as well as the country’s increased mobility.
Vergeire also assured the public that the country’s health utilization rate remains low.