Metro Manila ICU beds at high risk 84% amid COVID-19 surge

Intensive care unit (ICU) bed occupancy in Metro Manila has reached a high-risk 84% due to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is at 73% (high risk), Cagayan Valley at 88% (critical risk), Central Luzon at 87% (critical risk), and Calabarzon at 83% (high risk).

According to Department of Health (DOH) guidelines, an ICU utilization rate of 70% to 84% is considered high risk, while 85% and above is critical risk.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III indicated that six unnamed cities have already reached 100% ICU utilization.

Metro Manila's overall healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) is at a moderate risk level of 67%.

CAR is at a high-risk HCUR of 76%, Cagayan Valley at 80% (high risk), and Calabarzon at 70% (high risk), while Central Luzon is at a moderate risk HCUR of 61%.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire cautioned that HCUR figures can be diluted as they include all hospital bed levels.

The occupancy rates remain high due to the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases, with some mild cases progressing to severe or critical conditions requiring ICU admission.