The reproduction number of COVID-19 in the National Capital Region (NCR) has declined from 1.33 to 1.03 during the first week of the alert level system pilot implementation in the region, according to the OCTA Research Group.
The one-week growth rate of cases also fell from 11% to 15%.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Benhur Abalos said the number of Metro Manila’s active COVID-19 cases peaked last Sept. 15 at more than 40,000.
Abalos said in the Sept. 22 Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) will discuss anew the allowable activities after the current pilot implementation.
“They would really have to study it, but right now I would say the numbers are very promising in terms of reproduction rate, active cases. Although hindi ko pa lang alam ngayon about the hospital care utilization,” he said.
He added that the high vaccination rate in the region also contributed to slowing down the rising number of COVID cases.
More than 68% of Metro Manila’s eligible population are fully vaccinated while almost 87% have received their initial dose. The MMDA is projecting a 90% fully vaccinated eligible population by December.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it is eyeing to set up a fill-and-finish facility for COVID-19 vaccines by next year. This is the last vaccine manufacturing process involving the repackaging of bulk products into small vials.
“There are several companies that are being looked into now both overseas and local partners dito sa Pilipinas,” FDA Director-General Eric Domingo said.
The FDA also said that no nasal spray has been proven effective yet in preventing COVID-19 pending clinical trials results. – Report from Mark Fetalco/AG- bny
Read more: FDA: COVID-19 vax spray not yet OK’d
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