The National Capital Region’s (NCR) COVID-19 positivity rate has declined to 5% or the benchmark set by the World Health Organization (WHO), according to OCTA Research Group.
The Nov. 1 figure is a decline from the 25% positivity rate during the COVID-19 surge, and is an “ideal number” showing that “we are testing enough.”
In the Monday (Nov. 1) Laging Handa briefing, OCTA’s Dr. Guido David said this is an indication of the continuous decline of cases in the region.
“Tuwing nagkaka-surge, tumataas ‘yung testing capacity natin. Pero pag pababa na ‘yung trend ng cases, bumababa na rin ‘yung testing natin in accordance with the fewer cases,” he said.
“So ibig sabihin, we are seeing an actual trend na bumababa talaga ‘yung cases ‘di lang dahil kumakaunti ‘yung testing. Kumakaunti ‘yung testing dahil kumakaunti ‘yung cases natin,” he added.
The reproduction number of extent of transmission per single case in the region also fell to 0.53, with almost all local government units settling at low risk level.
However, several LGUs still recorded a positive one-week growth rate for COVID-19. Pateros has 150%, Malabon and San Juan have 40%, Makati has 22%, Las Piῆas has 21%, Muntinlupa has 8%, and Mandaluyong has 2%.
The group believes the alert level system in Metro Manila may still be downgraded to alert level 2 amid its high vaccination rates, but suggested that the de-escalation be conducted safely.
“Eighty plus percent ng adults sa Metro Manila ay fully vaccinated, 96% at least first dose. Ibig sabihin, mas bumababa na ‘yung chance na magkaron ng resurgence dahil marami na ‘yung protektado sa Metro Manila,” he said.
“Ngayon, kung tumaas ‘yung reproduction number at nagluluwag tayo, may concern tayo na baka magkaroon ng resurgence. Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong nakikitang ganoon,” he added.
OCTA data show that NCR’s healthcare utilization rate is at 30% and intensive care unit (ICU) occupancy is at 39%. The Philippine Hospital Association said minimum public health standards must be followed in line with the downgrade.
Meanwhile, the nationwide COVID-19 positivity rate is 8%. The group projected around 2,000 daily cases by the end of November if the improvements are sustained. – Report from Mark Fetalco/AG-rir
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