OCTA: NCR COVID-19 cases surge 42% weekly

The OCTA Research group reported that COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region are rising rapidly, with daily average cases now at 1,025, a 42% increase from the previous week and a 130% increase compared to two weeks prior.

The reproduction rate in Metro Manila has climbed to 1.8, a level not seen since July 2020, indicating a faster spread of the virus.

Researchers suggest that the detection of new coronavirus variants in the country might be contributing to this accelerated surge.

If the reproduction number reaches 1.8, daily new cases in NCR may reach 5,000 by March 31, significantly higher than current projections.

Most of these cases are transmitted within families or households, with some also reported in depressed communities and offices.

The positivity rate in NCR has reached an average of 8% over the last seven days, while hospital bed occupancy stands at 44% and ICU occupancy at 53%.

Four areas within NCR—Pasay City, Makati City, Malabon, and Navotas—have been identified as high-risk based on their COVID-19 attack rates.