Octa: More than just a holiday uptick in NCR
THE independent Octa Research sounded the alarm on Wednesday, December 29, over the recent rise in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the National Capital Region (NCR), saying it may just be more than a “holiday uptick.”
In his social media posts, Octa fellow Guido David said they are concerned over the changing Covid-19 situation in Metro Manila that is coinciding with the celebrations of Christmas and New Year.
“There is now concern that this is not just a holiday uptick. Please be advised that the situation is changing in the NCR,” said David.
“This rapid increase in the reproduction number could only mean one thing. If this holds, cases could escalate very quickly,” he added.
David is referring to the rise in reproduction rate in Metro Manila above 1.
“NCR reproduction number up to 1.03 as of 12.25.21 (December 25, 2021),” he said.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ideal reproduction rate is less than one, as having greater than one means that the infection will spread exponentially.
David also noted that NCR’s positivity rate exceeded five percent.
“The daily positivity rate in the NCR spiked to more five percent (as of December 27) for the first time since October 24,” he said.
The positivity rate of five percent or below is considered “acceptable.”
David called on the public to be very mindful of observing the minimum public health standards.
“Let us continue to be extra vigilant and not be complacent in following minimum public health protocols,” he said.
Data from the Department of Health showed that as of December 28, NCR had a total of 861,865 Covid-19 cases. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)
