DOH suspects Delta variant community transmission amid rising cases

The Department of Health (DOH) now assumes community transmission of the Delta variant of COVID-19 due to detected cases nationwide and rising infections, though official pronouncement requires more evidence.

OCTA Research previously suggested that the Delta variant was likely already transmitting within the community in Metro Manila, citing a 40% weekly rise in infections to 1,279.

Dr. Guido David of OCTA Research estimated around 300 new Delta variant infections daily in Metro Manila and pointed to rapid transmission examples.

The reproduction rate in NCR increased to 1.52, and hospital occupancy rose to 45% with ICU use at 52%.

OCTA warned that without quarantine adjustments, hospital beds could reach 70% occupancy in under five weeks and ICU beds in under three weeks.

Metro Manila will be placed under a strict lockdown from August 6 to 20 to help contain the spread of the highly transmissible variant.