COVID-19 positivity rate in NCR hits 24.9%, says OCTA

The National Capital Region (NCR)’s COVID-19 positivity rate reached 24.9% as of May 10, according to independent monitoring group OCTA Research on Thursday.

In a tweet, OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said the NCR’s seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate increased to 24.9% on May 10 from 20.4% on May 3.

NCR 7-day positivity rate increased to 24.9% as of May 10 2023. NCR has a hospital bed occupancy of 28.3% as of the same date (from 25.5% on May 3). #COVID19 #covid @dzbb pic.twitter.com/7FqM8N8TIN

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) May 11, 2023

The nationwide positivity rate, meanwhile, is at 23.1%, he said in a separate tweet.

The positivity rate refers to the percentage of people who are found positive for COVID-19 among the total number of individuals tested. The WHO's positivity rate threshold, below which transmission can be said to be under control, is 5%.

David also said the region’s hospital bed occupancy is currently at 28.3%, which increased from 25.5% on May 3.

The OCTA Research fellow said he is projecting at least 2,000 to 2,200 new infections on Friday, May 12.

The Philippines on Thursday logged 1,940 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily tally since October 21, 2022 when 1,984 daily infections were recorded.

This was the eighth day straight of more than 1,000 daily cases were logged.

The nationwide COVID-19 tally is currently at 4,108,914, according to the Department of Health (DOH)’s latest data.

The World Health Organization on Friday lifted the designation of COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern, but cautioned that the virus is here to stay.

OCTA Research has urged the DOH to continue its advisories on the virus. — Richa Noriega/BM, GMA Integrated News