NCR Plus Eight reproduction number below 0.55

The COVID-19 reproduction number in NCR Plus Eight is below 0.55, indicating a downward trend.

As of October 19, the reproduction numbers for NCR and Cebu City are 0.52; Davao City, 0.49; Batangas, 0.51; Bulacan, 0.50; Cavite, 0.43; Laguna, 0.45; Pampanga, 0.52; and Rizal, 0.55.

NCR's seven-day average is now at 1,411 cases with a positivity rate of 9%, the lowest since July 23 to July 29.

OCTA predicts daily new cases may drop to 5,000-6,000 by October end but noted temporary spikes due to backlog.