Metro Manila cases may hit 4,000 daily by March end

Thirteen cities in Metro Manila are among the top areas experiencing a significant upward trend in COVID-19 cases, according to OCTA Research.

Metro Manila is classified as high-risk, with an average of 1,546 new daily infections.

The reproduction number in the region has increased to 1.86, and the positivity rate is at 10%.

Hospital bed occupancy in Metro Manila has reached 50%, with ICU bed occupancy at 65%.

OCTA Research has revised its projection, now forecasting that Metro Manila could see over 4,000 new COVID-19 cases daily by the end of March, a faster increase than previously anticipated.

The group's earlier February projection estimated that the caseload in the region could reach 2,400 cases per day by March 26.

Localized lockdowns have been identified as an effective measure to slow down the rise in new cases.