DOH: Philippines’ ICU occupancy rate rises to a high-risk 74%

The occupancy rate of the country’s intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 patients rose to 74% on Saturday, according to data from the Department of Health (DOH).

Based on the latest bulletin, 74% of the 4,200 ICU beds in the country are occupied while 73% of the 1,500 ICU beds in the National Capital Region are being utilized.

This places ICU bed usage in the high-risk category. High risk means the occupancy rate is more than 70% but less than 85%.

According to the data, ward beds for COVID-19 patients nationwide and in the region are also considered at high risk.

Around 72% of the 15,300 ward beds in the country are in use while 74% of the 4,300 ward beds in the NCR are being occupied.

Meanwhile, 57% of the country’s 3,300 mechanical ventilators are being utilized while 63% of the 1,200 mechanical ventilators in the NCR are in use.

The Philippines earlier reported 20,741 new COVID-19 cases, marking the second consecutive day when more than 20,000 cases were recorded.

This brings the nationwide tally to 2,061,084. — DVM, GMA News