MANILA, Philippines — The COVID-19 positivity rate of Metro Manila is at 25.9 percent as of May 16, OCTA Research fellow Dr. David Guido said on Twitter on Wednesday.
This is higher than the previous week’s 24.2 percent but is lower than the 26.1 percent recorded on May 15.
“The numbers in the next few days should indicate where the trend is headed,” David said.
Previously, he said that the COVID-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila was expected to peak in one or two weeks time from May 11.
It should be noted, however, that the current rate is still five times higher than the World Health Organization’s ideal threshold of 5 percent.
NCR 7-day positivity rate was 25.9% as of May 16, 2023. It was up from 24.2% on May 9. However, it is slightly lower than the positivity rate of 26.1% on May 15. The numbers in the next few days should indicate where the trend is headed. #covid #covid19 @dzbb pic.twitter.com/8wx2fMddyp
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) May 17, 2023
Nationwide positivity rate at 23.8%
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 positivity rate nationwide rose to 23.8 percent on May 17 from the previous day’s 22.4 percent.
The May 17 rate reflects the latest daily COVID-19 cases registered by the Department of Health (DOH) at 1,1503 new infections, 584 of which were logged in Metro Manila alone.
May 17 2023 DOH reported 1503 new cases, 0 deaths (0 in NCR) 1218 recoveries 15514 active cases. 23.8% nationwide positivity rate. 584 cases in NCR. Projecting 1900-2100 new cases on 5.18.23 #COVID19 #covid @dzbb @DZAR1026 @ali_sotto @dwiz882 @AthenaImperial_ @allangatus pic.twitter.com/OWu8c0QcAn
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) May 17, 2023
As of May 17, based on the DOH COVID-19 Tracker, the country’s total caseload was at 4,119,516 with 15,514 active cases, 4,037,549 recoveries, and 66,453 deaths.
It should be noted, however, that even amid a relatively high positivity rate, DOH officer in charge Maria Rosario Vergeire previously explained that the positivity rate was not the sole criterion for the country’s COVID-19 situation.
She added that the increase and decrease in the number of infections could be 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 remained low.