Data gathered by the UP COVID-19 Response Team showed that there has been a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country for the past few days. Based on the team’s forecast, the figures might reach 76,000 by August 1.
The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated that the spike is brought about by community transmission due to noncompliance with minimum health standards and the increase in testing capacity. Experts also pointed out the rise in positivity rate.
“Isa po sa may pinakamataas ay Mexico na nasa 50%. So ibig sabihin sa kada dalawang test, isa roon ay magpo-positive. Sa Pilipinas around 10. Noong mga nakaraang araw ay tumaas ng 12%. Iyong mga bansa na may mababang positivity rate ay South Korea, Malaysia and Australia. Ito po ‘yung target natin na kahit dumarami iyong test na ginagawa dapat ay bumababa ang positivity rate (Among those with the highest [positivity rate] is Mexico at around 50%. This means that for every two tests, one will turn out positive. The Philippines is at around 10%. It increased to 12% in the past days. Countries with low positivity rate are South Korea, Malaysia, and Australia. Our target is decreasing positivity rate amid increased testing),” Dr. Darwin Bandoy disclosed.
Meanwhile, Bandoy said the number of those who succumbed to the disease has stabilized due to continuous improvement in the healthcare system. The case fatality rate declined to two percent from six percent. The reproductive number also dropped to 1.07. Experts said the number must be brought down below one to prevent further transmission through wearing of face masks, washing of hands, and social distancing. – Report from Mark Fetalco
