Philippine News Agency
NCR’s alert level based on metrics, not subject to debate: DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) stated that the National Capital Region's (NCR) downgrade to Alert Level 3 was based on scientific metrics and not subject to debate.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained that the NCR's healthcare utilization rate, including total bed and ICU utilization, required de-escalation.
She also noted the region's negative two-week COVID-19 growth rate, decreased average daily attack rate, and moderate risk classification as factors for the downgrade.
Previously, OCTA Research supported a potential downgrade, while some fellows suggested Alert Level 2, and MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos also favored lowering the alert level due to decreased case growth.
However, an infectious disease expert from OCTA Research, Dr. Rontgene Solante, had cautioned that it might be too early for a downgrade, citing concerns for healthcare workers.
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