Octa Research: Metro Manila now at moderate risk for COVID-19

All 17 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila are now considered at "moderate risk" for COVID-19, according to Octa Research.

The reproduction number in the capital region has fallen to 0.60, and the seven-day average of cases has decreased by 30% compared to the previous week.

Healthcare utilization rates in most metro areas are at low-risk levels, though Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, and Quezon City are at moderate-risk.

The positivity rate among those tested for the virus in the region is at 11 percent, while the healthcare utilization is at 49 percent.

This development coincides with the easing of restrictions in Metro Manila, which will move to Alert Level 3 from October 16 to 31.

Despite the improvement in the capital region, three other regions in the country remain at "high-risk" for COVID-19.

Octa Research's findings were released shortly after the Department of Health confirmed a national decline in COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions.