The National Capital Region (NCR) remains under “very low risk” case classification for COVID-19 with just 91 new daily COVID-19 cases from Dec. 6 to 12.
Data from OCTA Research Group showed the region has a very low reproduction number at 0.39 and a positivity rate of 0.9%. The capital region also had an average daily attack rate (ADAR) or case incidence of 0.64 per 100,000 population, and a one-week growth rate of -18%.
The municipality of Pateros had not recorded COVID-19 cases in the past week, while San Juan City only recorded a single case.
Aside from Pateros and San Juan, the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Marikina, Pasig, Navotas, Valenzuela, Manila, Pasay, and Taguig are also at very low risk category.
NCR Report 12.13.21. NCR, Pateros, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Marikina, Pasig, Navotas, Valenzuela, San Juan, Manila, Pasay, Taguig at very low risk (the others are at low risk). @dzbb @allangatus @dzrhnews @DZAR1026 @News5PH @NewsRmn @dwiz882 @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/xDOzsHhziJ
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) December 12, 2021
Dr. Guido David of OCTA said the “7-day average in the NCR decreased to less than 100 for the first time since March 22 to 28, 2020.”
Meanwhile, Department of Health (DOH) Sec. Francisco Duque III stressed in the agency’s Dec. 13 virtual forum the importance of improving the country’s healthcare system.
“The DOH is committed to continuously develop policies aimed towards increasing health systems capacity, ensuring public health measures to mitigate risks of COVID-19, and fast-track reforms for universal health care,” he said.
The DOH also continues to push for reforms on the affordability of basic drugs and medicines.
Atty. Charade Mercado-Grande of the DOH Health Regulations Team said the cost of insulin has gone down by 47%, medicines for cancer fell by around 48%, while the drugs for renal diseases and stroke declined by 36% and 24%, respectively.
In line with the Christmas season, the DOH reminded the public to prioritize safety for a healthier holiday season celebration.
Read more: Follow these DOH health tips for a merrier, safer holiday season
“Pumili ng wasto at malusog na pagkain sa mga handaan. Pag-iwas sa mga paputok kung ninyong maputulan…at ang patuloy na pag-obserba sa minimum public standards,” Duque said.
The government continues to urge the public to get vaccinated. It is set to conduct a second round of three-day national vaccination drives on Dec. 15 to 17. – Report from Sweeden Velado-Ramirez/AG-rir
