425 new COVID-19 cases logged; highest daily tally since April 3, 2022

The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 425 new COVID-19 infections on Thursday, the highest daily number of new infections in over two months, since 690 new infections were logged on April 3.

The new cases bring the nationwide caseload to 3,694,529, while the country's active case count also continues to increase, reaching 3,462 on Thursday from 3,211 on Wednesday.

The National Capital Region (NCR) logged 1,761 new cases in the recent two weeks, followed by Calabarzon with 518, Central Luzon with 277, Western Visayas with 266, and Central Visayas with 136.

The DOH, however, maintained that the NCR remains at low risk classification for COVID-19.

While Metro Manila showed a positive two-week growth rate, the Health department said its average daily attack rate (ADAR) is still below six at less than one case per 100,000 population.

In a tweet on Thursday, OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said the reported new cases was higher than the group's forecast of 370 cases.

June 16 2022 DOH reported 425 new cases (above forecasted 370), 0 deaths and 157 recoveries. 3462 active cases, 2.9% nationwide positivity rate. 214 cases in NCR. Projecting 550 cases 6.17.22. Don't forget MPHS. @dzbb @DZAR1026 @allangatus @dzrhnews @News5PH @dwiz882 @NewsRmn pic.twitter.com/d77XllufmE

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) June 16, 2022

David said the nationwide positivity rate is at 2.9%, while the group expects 550 new COVID-19 infections on Friday.

The OCTA fellow also reminded the public to follow minimum public health protocols.

Meanwhile, a total of 3,630,606 individuals recovered from the respiratory disease, while the number of deaths  remained at 60,461.

At least 18,399 individuals were tested, while 322 testing laboratories submitted data as of June 15.

The nationwide bed occupancy rate also increased to 18.1% from 17.2% on Wednesday.

The number of beds occupied were 5,457, while at least 24,676 were vacant.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier advised of a possible increase in severe and critical COVID-19 cases by August, citing the waning immunity of the public.

She noted that there was waning immunity due to the slow uptake of booster shots.

The Inter-Agency Task Force of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved recommendations to place the NCR and several other areas under Alert Level 1 from June 16 to June 30. — BM, GMA News