The Department of Health (DOH) said COVID-19 cases are on a downward trend in all major island groups in the country, including the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus areas.
The Zamboanga Peninsula is the only region under high risk classification for COVID-19, while seven regions like the NCR are under moderate level.
The OCTA Research Group said the reproduction rate which is used to determine the transmission extent per confirmed case in Metro Manila declined to 0.57.
The region also recorded on Sunday (Oct. 17) its lowest daily COVID-19 case count at 1,159 since July 28 of this year.
In terms of other key indicators, the seven-day average of NCR cases decreased to 1,448 with a positivity rate of 9%. The hospital occupancy dropped to 44%, while the intensive care unit (ICU) utilization is at 59% or under safe level.
However, Dr. Maricar Limpin of the Philippine College of Physicians said they cannot yet feel the decline in cases in terms of current hospital admissions.
“Hindi pa talaga siya ‘yung talagang mababa o ‘yung safe… Kailangan check natin siguro ‘yung ibang ospital sa Metro Manila, kasi I’m very sure marami pa rin sa amin nararamdaman pa rin ‘yung dami ng kaso,” she said.
“Medyo kulang pa rin ‘yung mga tao natin na nag-aalaga sa mga pasyenteng may COVID-19,” she added.
DOH data show that 171 health facilities in the Philippines are under critical risk, 87 are under high risk, 109 are under moderate risk, and 844 are under low risk.
“Hindi naman natin sinabi na talagang na-decongest na natin lahat ng ospital. In fact, doon sa mga lugar na ating sinasabi ngayon, total bed utilization is low. Pero ang ibang ICU utilization pa rin ay mataas,” Vergeire said.
Read more: 633 more Delta variant cases detected
Meanwhile, authorities reported 633 additional Delta variant cases on Monday (Oct. 18). – Report from Mark Fetalco/AG-rir
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