Metro Manila at 'moderate risk' with increase in COVID-19 cases after Christmas week
MANILA, Philippines — With an increase in COVID-19 cases recorded during Christmas week, Metro Manila is now classified as moderate risk, OCTA Research said Friday.
OCTA Research reported an increase in risk classification from very low risk from December 16 to 22 to moderate risk from December 23 to 29.
The shift in risk classification was attributed to more new COVID-19 cases, from a 7-day average of 79 to a 7-day average of 215.
There was also an increase in incidence or average daily attack rate (ADAR) from 0.56 per day per 100,000 to 1.52 per day per 100,000.
'Not surprising'
OCTA Research said this incident is "not surprising because of the increased number of holiday gatherings during the week of the holiday."
The think tank highlighted the need to prevent the increase of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila from becoming another surge of infections.
"At this time, it is still uncertain if there will be a continued increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases, or if this number will drop back down once the holidays are over," the report read.
OCTA Research Covid Report 12.30.21. NCR now at moderate risk. Reproduction number at 1.47. Healthcare utilization still at very low (19%). @dzbb @dzrhnews @DZAR1026 @NewsRmn @News5PH @dwiz882 @PhilstarNews @ABSCBNNews @allangatus @RMMendozaMT @EagleNews @DrTonyLeachon pic.twitter.com/aewoTfuIvS
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) December 30, 2021
With this, OCTA urged LGUs to improve and expand their testing and contact tracing, as well as reactivating isolation facilities that were temporarily shut down.
OCTA also said the national and local governments should accelerate vaccinations and booster programs, especially in areas outside Metro Manila.
"The LGUs must implement strict local border controls, particularly for travelers coming from moderate to high risk areas," OCTA said.
The think tank also warned that new COVID-19 cases may breach the 1,500-mark on Thursday as Metro Manila logs more infections. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
Follow this thread for updates on COVID-19 risk levels, safety measures, and data from Metro Manila's local government units.
Photo: The STAR/Michael Varcas
Supreme Court suspends work from 12:30 p.m. on May 12 for disinfection of premises "in view of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases."
Senate President Migz Zubiri says that the whole Senate building will be placed under lockdown until Tuesday next week for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
This came after seven senators and some staff of the Senate tested positive for COVID-19.
Senate President Migz Zubiri says Sen. Grace Poe is recovering from COVID-19 and is not present at the Senate plenary session today. She is the fourth senator to catch the coronavirus in the past two weeks. — Franco Luna
Senate President Migz Zubiri says Sen. Cynthia Villar tested positive for COVID-19. She is third senator to test positive for the virus following Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano and Imee Marcos -- Philstar.com/Xave Gregorio
Daily growth rate in the National Capital Region is down to 2% from 3% of the previous day, according to OCTA Research.
OCTA Research fellow Guido David says the capital region could be close to the peak in new cases or the region has reached its limits in testing capacity.
NCR daily growth rate just 2%. The NCR could be close to the peak in new cases, or the NCR has reached its limits in testing capacity. @dzbb @dzrhnews @allangatus @News5PH @DZAR1026 @NewsRmn @dwiz882 @dzme_1530khz @EagleNews @ABSCBNNews @sofiatomacruz @PhilstarNews @haydeesampang pic.twitter.com/qkSPVvyf6e
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) January 16, 2022
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