COVID-19 positivity rate up to 7.1% nationwide

The national COVID-19 positivity rate has risen to 7.1 percent, according to OCTA Research.

This follows a previous observation of an increase in the positivity rate in Metro Manila and 14 other provinces.

In the National Capital Region, the positivity rate had increased from 3.2% to 4.4% between March 25 and April 1.

Despite the increase, the positivity rate in Metro Manila remained below the WHO's 5% threshold for containment.

Provinces that saw an increase in their positivity rates include Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Cebu, Iloilo, Laguna, Negros Occidental, Pampanga, Pangasinan, and Zamboanga del Sur.

Isabela and Benguet saw their positivity rates move from low to moderate levels, registering 6.2% and 5.5% respectively.

Camarines Sur, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato's positivity rates remain in the moderate category.

OCTA fellow Guido David projects 400 to 500 new cases on Maundy Thursday.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 176 new cases nationwide on Wednesday, bringing the country's total to 4,082,580.

There were also six additional COVID-19 related deaths, with four from Metro Manila.