COVID-19 positivity rate drops in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The COVID-19 positivity rate in Manila dropped over the past two weeks, an official said yesterday.

Out of the 232 people who availed themselves of the city government’s free COVID-19 RT-PCR test, only seven or 3.02 percent turned out to be positive, according to Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan.

As of last Friday, the city government recorded 79 active COVID cases or those who are still being treated or undergoing isolation, 122,426 recoveries and 2,053 deaths.

Lacuna-Pangan said the low COVID-19 positivity rate in the city was “good news” as new infections continue to become fewer.

Despite this, and while wearing of face masks in any setting has become optional, she asked her constituents to continue wearing face masks while in medical facilities and vehicles to avoid getting infected.

Lacuna-Pangan also pointed out the COVID-19 tally in the city might be low because not all residents undergo RT-PCR testing.

“Our 79 active cases doesn’t mean our COVID-19 cases are really low,” she said.

She encouraged city residents to continue following other protocols against COVID-19 like physical distancing and regular handwashing.