Based on the new projection of the University of the Philippines (UP) OCTA Research, COVID-19 cases may reach up to 85,000 by the end of July if there will be no changes in the COVID-19 response of the government.
Dr. Guido David of the UP Institute of Mathematics pointed out that the National Capital Region (NCR) remains the main driver of the increase in cases.
“Ang nagda-drive dito is NCR, a genuine surge in (the) National Capital Region. Sa Cebu naman, it’s the opposite. Since nag-ECQ tayo doon, the pandemic has slowed down, from about two na R, ngayon nasa 1.14 na lang. So it’s actually very close to 1. If we keep this up, baka ma-flatten na natin yung Cebu (The main driver is the NCR, a genuine surge in (the) National Capital Region. In Cebu, it’s the opposite. Since we had ECQ there, the pandemic has slowed down, from about 2 in R naught to only 1.14. It’s actually very close to 1. If we keep this up, we might flatten the curve in Cebu),” Prof. David explained.
The DOH said if Filipinos would change their behavior, the projection will be curbed. It also urged the public to be more cautious, following reports that some patients who recovered tested positive anew.
Studies show that a COVID-19 survivor can develop antibodies or immunity against the virus but this can only last for two to three months. The DOH said there is still no proof that those who recovered from the disease are protected from reinfection. A lot is yet to be discovered on the disease since SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus.
The DOH reminded “that prevention is still the best and testing is not an immunity passport.”
As of July 17, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country reached 63,001 after 1,841 additional cases were reported. Recoveries climbed to 21,748 while the death toll rose to 1,660. The total of active cases is now at 39,593.
– Report from Mark Fetalco
