Quezon City still at ‘moderate’ risk for COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — While new cases have declined over the past weeks, Quezon City remains at moderate risk for COVID-19, according to the OCTA Research group.

Data from the Department of Health showed that the city reported 159 new cases per day from Sept. 2 to 8, down 12 percent from 180 average daily new cases the previous week.

The growth rate, which indicates the weekly change in the average number of new cases, slowed down from -24 percent last week to -12 percent.

The latest data translates to a “low” average daily attack rate of 4.99 new infections per day per 100,000 people.

However, the city’s positivity rate, which measures the number of people who test positive out of the total tests conducted, slightly increased from 13.7 percent on Sept. 3 to 14 percent on Sept. 7.

Its reproduction number also increased from 0.89 on Aug. 29 to 0.94 on Sept. 5.

“While the trend lines indicate a possible uptrend in cases, it is too early to determine if the trend in new COVID-19 cases has actually moved upward in Quezon City,” OCTA said.

“The numbers will be monitored closely over the next weeks,” it added.

Meanwhile, health care utilization and intensive care unit occupancy in Quezon City remained low at 37 percent and 30 percent, respectively.

City epidemiology and surveillance unit head Rolly Cruz reminded the public to continue following health protocols.

“COVID-19 is still with us, we still need to be vigilant, get boosted and stay at home when with symptoms and continue wearing masks,” he added.

205 active cases in Makati

In Makati, there are 205 active COVID-19 cases, according to data from the city government released yesterday.

The data showed the number of COVID-19 cases in Makati is higher compared to 172 cases the same day last week, an increase of about 19.18 percent.

An unidentified individual also died of COVID infection in Makati in the past week.

Only two of the 33 barangays in Makati City are COVID-free, namely Forbes Park and Post Proper Northside.

The barangay with the most number of COVID-19 cases is Bel-Air with 21 followed by San Lorenzo, 17, and San Antonio, 15.

Mayor Abigail Binay reminded residents to wear face masks when in public places and stay indoors if they have COVID symptoms.

The local government also opened a vaccination site at Rockwell Powerplant Mall as part of its efforts to help the Department of Health with the DOH’s nationwide booster vaccination campaign.