Metro Manila COVID-19 cases fall below 10,000

COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila are on a downward trajectory, with new infections falling below 10,000 for the first time in two weeks, according to OCTA Research.

The reproduction number in the National Capital Region (NCR) decreased to 1.79 from 4.42 a week ago, and the weekly growth rate is now negative.

Metro Manila recorded 8,376 new COVID-19 infections on January 19, a level not seen since January 5.

OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David noted that the trend mirrors the rapid surge and subsequent sharp decline observed in South Africa.

Despite the encouraging news, David emphasized that Metro Manila remains at critical risk due to high Average Daily Attack Rate (ADAR) and positivity rates.

The Philippines reported 31,173 new coronavirus infections on Thursday, bringing the total to 3.32 million.

The death toll rose to 53,153 after 110 more patients died, while recoveries increased by 26,298 to 3 million, the Department of Health (DoH) said.

The positivity rate for samples tested on January 18 was 43.3%, which is significantly above the WHO's 5% threshold.