NCR at moderate risk; COVID-19 reproduction rate critical at 1.47 —OCTA

The National Capital Region (NCR) is now at moderate risk for COVID-19, with its reproduction number spiking to a "critical" 1.47, independent group OCTA Research said Thursday.

In its latest update, OCTA said the latest reproduction number was higher from the previous 0.51.

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

Overall, the NCR was at "moderate risk" from December 23 to 29, from "very low risk" from December 16 to 22.

OCTA added that the Department of Health's reported 572 new COVID cases in NCR was 229% higher than the number the previous day.

Further, NCR's seven-day average in new daily cases increased to 215 (as of December 23 to 29) from 79 (from December 16 to 22).

The incidence or average daily attack rate (ADAR), or the number of new daily cases per 100,000 population, is still considered low to 1.52 from 0.56.

Meanwhile, the seven-day positivity rate increased to 3.86%, also considered low, from 0.69% the previous week.

Hospital utilization rate remained at very low level, which increased slightly to 19% from 18%.

An increase in the number of hospital beds occupied was also seen at 8% compared to the previous week, while the number of ICUs occupied increased to 12% during the same time frame.

The average number of RT-PCR tests conducted was 14,119, which is lower than 17,595 tests during the previous week.

On Wednesday, the Philippines logged 889 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide COVID-19 tally to 2,839,790.

Local government units are ready to impose granular lockdowns following the uptick of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila, an official of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) said Thursday. —LBG, GMA News