An increase in COVID-19 cases was observed in several cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), according to the Department of Health (DOH).
DOH data showed that there is a positive two-week growth rate (2WGR) in Makati, San Juan, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Manila, Malabon, Navotas, and Las Piῆas.
Other provinces covered by the NCR Plus Area recorded a decline in cases, except for Laguna. An upward trend was also observed in some provinces in Regions 1 and 3, and a downward trend in Regions 2 and 4B.
In the Visayas, a rise of cases was reported in tourist destinations Aklan, Antique, Iloilo City, and Iloilo Province. An upward trend was also observed in Region 12 in Mindanao.
The DOH said it cannot be concluded that tourist spots have the highest risk for COVID-19 as the majority of areas in the country are already open.
The DOH considered as case rise factors the decline in observance of health standards and the conduct of social gatherings that lead to superspreader events.
“We are asking our LGUs [local government units] and DILG [the Department of the Interior and Local Government] to closely monitor para wala tayong ganitong event na may contribute to the spike of our cases,” Dr. Alethea de Guzman of DOH Epidemiology Bureau said.
Death toll
The DOH said COVID-19 fatalities in the country declined to 34 between July 1 and 12 from the 129 average during the peak of cases last April. The 71.7% senior citizens fatality rate between January 31 and February 6 fell to 63.2% between June 27 and July 3.
The DOH said it is studying whether the decline is caused by vaccination. It added that there is no place for complacency yet, despite the decline in COVID-19 numbers. – Report from Bea Bernardo/AG-rir
Watch full report here:
