OCTA: Philippines’ COVID-19 reproduction number at 1.41

Independent monitoring group OCTA Research on Thursday indicated that there is a continued transmission of COVID-19 in the country amid the threat of the highly contagious Delta variant.

In its August 12 report, OCTA said the country’s reproduction number, which refers to the number of people that each COVID-19 case can infect, stood at 1.41.

Metro Manila registered a reproduction number of 1.76.

National Update for 8/12/21 shows LGUs with highest 7-day average in new cases. Cebu City, Imus and Tuguegarao are at critical level in both ADAR and ICU occupancy. Reproduction Number in the country is 1.41. The situation is more likely to get worse before it gets better. pic.twitter.com/qja6H0FBIA

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) August 11, 2021

The reproduction rate of the Philippines and NCR in OCTA's August 10 report was at 1.33 and 1.79, respectively.

The national positivity rate or the number of COVID-19 tests in the country that came back positive is at 21%.

“The situation is more likely to get worse before it gets better,” said OCTA fellow Guido David on Twitter.

Quezon City topped the list of local government units with the most number of new infections (467) for the period August 5 to 11.

Manila (304 cases), Cebu City (275), Makati (195), and Davao City (175) rounded out the top five.

Cebu City, Imus, and Tuguegarao are at critical levels in both average daily attack rate and ICU occupancy, according to David.

The Philippines on Wednesday reported 12,021 new cases, the highest daily tally recorded since April 10.

The new infections pushed the country’s total caseload to 1,688,040, with 29,374 deaths.

Metro Manila was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20. However, the Department of Health said it may be extended due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

Other areas under ECQ are Laguna, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo City from August 6 to 15; Bataan from August 8 to 22; Tuguegarao from August 12 to 21.—AOL, GMA News