Experts expressed concern over the easing off of public transportation restrictions despite the declining number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases.
“Use of public transport in the NCR (National Capital Region) increased slowly but steadily in the past week. We expect that this will trigger an increase in new COVID-19 cases in the NCR in the next two weeks,” the OCTA Research Group disclosed.
“The increase in mobility has been steady, some 5 percent increase over the NCR. So we expect that this percent increase will not be benign. It will come with its increases. But we’re hoping that the increase will be slow,” Prof. Ranjit Rye of OCTA Research added.
The group, however, said that there is a downtrend in COVID-19 cases in the country with a reproduction number of 0.80 at the national level and 0.63 in NCR.
“It must also be noted, that while the number of new cases (based on testing) reported has been decreasing, these may not provide an accurate picture of the pandemic in the country as these do not include the significant PCR testing data from the Philippine Red Cross,” it clarified.
The group expressed hopes for the immediate resolution on the issue concerning PhilHealth and Red Cross as it poses a “clear and present danger” to the testing program.
“Philippine Red Cross pausing its testing operations affected the numbers in the following LGU’s in NCR, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. The effect is a reduction in reported cases by 40 to 50%,” OCTA reported.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday disagreed with the claim of OCTA Research, saying the protocols in public transportation were based on recommendation of doctors. The observance of the seven commandments will help in preventing transmission.
Meanwhile, 18 areas in the country were identified with high risk of COVID-19, including Pasay; Makati; Pasig; Mandaluyong; Baguio City, Itogon, Benguet; Calamba, Laguna; Angono, Rizal; Cainta, Rizal; Taytay, Rizal; Lucena, Quezon; Ilagan, Isabela; Batangas City; General Trias, Cavite; Iloilo City; San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; Davao City; and Butuan City. – Report from Mark Fetalco
