Philippines records highest active COVID cases since April, positivity rate above 5% in several areas

An infectious diseases expert warns that positivity rates for COVID-19 cases are above 5% in several areas, particularly in NCR which reached 10.9%, indicating an increase in newly-infected individuals.

OCTA Research reports that the positivity rate in NCR has risen to 10.9%, up from 8.3% a week ago, with other provinces such as Aklan recording a 26.9% positivity rate on Saturday, July 9.

Several provinces have positivity rates higher than 10%, including Aklan (26.9%), Batangas (11.3%), Capiz (18.8%), Cavite (14.9%), Iloilo (11%), Laguna (18.2%), Pampanga (16.5%), Rizal (16.6%), and Tarlac (16.7%).

The Philippines recorded its highest number of active cases since April at 13,818 on Sunday, with new infections continuing to rise in multiple regions.

OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David noted that healthcare utilization rates remain below 50% in most monitored areas, considered low risk, while growth rates are rising in some areas like the NCR, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Central Luzon and Western Visayas.