5 NCR areas under moderate COVID-19 risk

Five areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) have been classified by the Department of Health (DOH) as being under moderate risk due to a sustained increase in COVID-19 cases.

The specific areas identified as moderate risk are Pasig, San Juan, Quezon City, Marikina, and Pateros.

An area is categorized as moderate risk if it exhibits a positive two-week growth rate in COVID-19 cases and an average daily attack rate (ADAR) ranging from 1 to 7 cases per 100,000 people.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that the growth rates in these areas have exceeded 200% due to a sudden surge in cases from previously low numbers.

Despite the moderate risk classification, only one of the five areas has reported a slight increase in hospital utilization for mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients, while the others remain below 50% occupancy.