NCR reclassified to low risk for COVID-19 amid case surge

The National Capital Region (NCR) has been reclassified to "low risk" for COVID-19, a shift from its previous "very low risk" classification, according to OCTA Research.

This change is attributed to an increase in the average number of new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila, with the seven-day average rising to 126 between December 21 to 27, up from 77 between December 14 to 20.

The reproduction number in the NCR is now 0.92, and the positivity rate is 1.68 percent.

Despite these increases, hospital and intensive care unit bed occupancy for COVID-19 patients remains at a very low level.

Only five local government units (LGUs) remained under very low-risk classification: Pateros, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Pasig, and Taguig.

Manila and San Juan are classified under moderate risk due to an increase in their reproduction numbers to 1.57 and 1.82, respectively.

OCTA Research urges continued vigilance and adherence to minimum public health standards as the New Year approaches.