NCR sees spike in Delta variant cases, daily average up by 65%

Nine out of 17 cities in Metro Manila have recorded at least one case of the highly infectious Delta coronavirus variant as of August 1.

Malabon, Makati, San Juan, Las Piñas, Valenzuela, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Manila, and Caloocan are among the affected cities with varying numbers of cases.

The Department of Health reported that Metro Manila's average daily number of new COVID-19 cases increased by 65% from July 27 to August 2, compared to the previous week.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque noted this surge ahead of the reimposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in NCR starting August 6.

OCTA Research reported a 46% increase in new cases daily from July 26 to August 1 and a reproduction number of 1.59, indicating high transmission rates.

Octa Research also noted a 'serious surge' in cases during the last week of July with over 1,700 new infections on July 31, suggesting possible community transmission of the Delta variant.