NCR now at moderate COVID-19 risk as cases surge

The National Capital Region (NCR) is now classified as being at moderate risk for COVID-19.

The COVID-19 reproduction number in the NCR has surged to 2.19 as of December 27, a significant increase from the previously reported 1.47 and the highest since July 2020.

The Department of Health reported a substantial surge in new COVID-19 cases in the NCR, with a 229% increase compared to the previous day.

Despite the increase in cases and reproduction rate, the average daily attack rate (ADAR) in the NCR remains low at 1.52, and the seven-day positivity rate is 3.86%.

Healthcare utilization in the NCR has seen an increase, with occupied COVID-19 hospital beds rising to 20% from 16%, and occupied ICU beds increasing to 24% from 20%, though these rates remain below the threshold.

At least two COVID-19 referral hospitals are already feeling the increase in COVID-19 cases amid the holiday season and the threat of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

The NCR and the rest of the country remain under Alert Level 2, allowing certain establishments and activities at 50% capacity indoors for fully vaccinated adults and minors, and 70% capacity outdoors.