The Philippines reported on Friday (Aug. 20) its highest daily recorded COVID-19 cases at 17,231 since the beginning of the pandemic, bringing the total case count to 1,807,800.
The latest figures beat the previous record-high of 15,310 in April when the country was experiencing a surge that prompted the government to impose enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in select regions and cities.
Of the new cases today, 94.1% are experiencing mild symptoms, 3.2% are symptomatic, 0.7% are in critical condition, 1.2% have severe symptoms, and 0.86% have moderate symptoms.
Department of Health (DOH) data shows that there are 123,251 active cases nationwide, which accounts for 6.8% of the total reported cases.
The DOH said 73% of all intensive care unit (ICU) beds nationwide have been occupied, while isolation beds occupancy is at 61%, ward beds at 66%, and ventilators at 52%.
The National Capital Region (NCR) has a 74% utilization rate of ICU beds, 61% for isolation beds, 70% for ward beds, and 57% for ventilators.
Reproduction number
In a separate report, OCTA Research said NCR’s reproduction number (R0) declined to 1.69 from the 1.86 recorded in the past week. R0 is used as a basis to determine the transmission extent per single case.
OCTA said it does not see any problem with the de-escalation of NCR’s quarantine to modified ECQ based on available data.
“In terms of trends, I’m expecting kung ano ‘yung ni-project namin which will be na magde-decrease na ‘yung numbers sa NCR by first or second week of September, I expect na mangyayari pa rin naman ‘yun,” Dr. Guido David said while considering the possibility of increased mobility under MECQ.
Read more: NCR shifts to MECQ, strict health protocols to stay
Citing DOH and FASSTER projects, DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said “active cases in NCR may reach up to 66,403 by Aug. 31 and 269,694 by Sept. 30 when ECQ will be extended for two more weeks while maintaining current levels of vaccination, PDITR strategies, and compliance to minimum public health standards.”
“Meanwhile, intensifying our efforts in these strategies while under MECQ may result in 83,921 active cases by Aug. 31 and 158,489 active cases in NCR by Sept. 30,” Vergeire added.
The Philippine Hospital Association (PHA) urged the public to strictly comply with health protocols and avoid non-essential outdoor activities, amid the increasing occupancy of hospitals. – Report from Mark Fetalco/AG-bny
