The reproduction rate or the rate of the coronavirus transmission in the National Capital Region declined anew today (Sept. 30) to 0.87 from the 0.96 figure two days ago.
The OCTA Research Group said the latest reproduction number “is considered low,” while the region’s positivity over the past seven days remains high at 18% despite its decrease from 21%.
The group’s data also showed that the seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases fell by 17% or to 3,891.
The government has yet to announce its decision regarding the alert level to be implemented in Metro Manila this October. A group of private hospital doctors said the government must wait for another two weeks before shifting to another alert level.
The Private Hospital Association of the Philippines (PHAPi) said the data collected was the result of the previous implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ from August to mid-September.
PHAPi chairperson Dr. Jose Rene De Grano said a downgrade to Alert Level 3 may push cases to plateau or rise anew after the second or third week of October.
“‘Pag nagka-ganoon, medyo maapektuhan na ang ating last quarter of the year, baka abutin na tayo niyan hanggang Christmas, holidays na,” he said.
Based on Department of Health (DOH) data, the intensive care unit (ICU) utilization in Metro Manila is considered high risk at 75%, its isolation beds occupancy is at 53%, ward beds at 64%, and ventilators at 56%.
Malacaῆang said the decision on the alert level status will depend on the Department of Health (DOH). The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has been scheduled to meet today on the matter. – Report from Karen Villanda/AG-rir
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