OCTA: Daily new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila soar to over 900

OCTA Research reported on Friday that daily new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila have soared to over 900, marking a 50% increase from the previous week and a 119% rise from two weeks ago.

The reproduction number in Metro Manila rose to 1.47 while the positivity rate reached an average of 7%, indicating sustained transmission.

OCTA warned that the South African SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 variant was identified in Pasay, though its prevalence is unknown.

Despite rising cases, hospital occupancy remained low at 41%. OCTA also noted a reproduction rate of 1.5 and predicted daily new cases could reach 2,200 by the end of March if transmission continues unchecked.

The surge may be driven by two coronavirus variants, with infections spreading quickly across many local government units.