The OCTA Research Group reported that the reproduction number of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Metro Manila has increased from 0.99 on December 11 to 1.06.
The group reiterated that the rise in the Rnaught means that 1 or more individuals may be infected in each COVID-19 case. The disease is spreading further in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“’Yung reproduction number, usually ang pagtaas niyan is gradual. And nakita na nga natin na greater than one na siya ngayon, 1.06. And ang most likely factors diyan, siyempre ‘yung pagluwag natin sa holiday, ‘yung mga taong naglalabasan, ‘yung mga nagpaparty. (The reproduction number usually increases gradually. And we saw that it is greater than 1 now, 1.06. Most likely the factors [contributing to the Rnaught] are the ease of restrictions this holiday, people going outside, and those who go to parties).” Prof. Guido David explained.
The NCR R-naught reached 1 on the 3rd week of August when Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) was again implemented after the healthcare capacity has been placed under the danger zone.
However, aside from the rise of the Rnaught in the NCR, the hospital situation remains to be controlled. The Department of Health (DOH) reported that as of date, there are 121 facilities in the NCR that are in the safe zone or have an occupancy rate lower than 60%. Only 5 hospitals are under moderate risk, 7 under high risk while 6 are under critical level.
The OCTA Research Group reminds the public to continue following the health protocols to reduce the reproduction number. – Report from Mark Fetalco
