NCR COVID-19 cases surge, hospitals under pressure

Metro Manila is experiencing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, driven by highly transmissible variants of SARS-CoV-2.

The reproduction number (R) in Metro Manila has risen to 1.8, indicating each infected person infects an average of 1.8 others.

Experts predict the region could reach its previous peak case numbers within two or three weeks if current trends continue.

Hospitals are already feeling the strain with increased admissions and some nearing high-risk occupancy levels.

The DOH reported that NCR has the highest number of active cases in the country, followed by Central Visayas and Calabarzon.