NCR's COVID-19 reproduction number slips further to 1.28 —OCTA

The National Capital Region’s virus reproduction number continues to improve, according to the latest report of the OCTA Research group.

On Thursday, OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David reported that the reproduction number, which refers to the number of people that each case can infect, slipped further to 1.28 for the period covering September 9 to 15.

The reproduction number stood at 1.39 for the period covering September 2 to 8. On Wednesday, OCTA said the reproduction number was 1.34.

David said the NCR had an average of 5,819 daily COVID-19 cases over the past week, with a growth rate of 9%. The region also registered an average daily attack rate of 41.66 cases per 100,000 population and a positivity rate of 25%.

“[The] NCR has not yet peaked but there is hope that it may happen in 1-2 weeks,” he said on Twitter.

Authorities on Thursday began the pilot implementation of an alert level system for COVID-19 response.

Metro Manila is under Alert Level 4, the second highest alert level, as case counts are high or increasing, with total COVID-19 beds and intensive care beds at increasing utilization rates.

Under Alert Level 4, there will be certain restrictions for establishments and activities that would fall under the so-called 3Cs, which refer to closed spaces, crowded spaces, and activities that promote close contact.

Certain indoor activities will be allowed for the fully vaccinated. Granular lockdowns will also be implemented.

Enforcement of health standards

With Metro Manila under Alert Level 4, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered an intensified enforcement of minimum public health standards.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año gave the instruction to the local government units and the National Capital Region Police Office.

“With the shift to a new alert level system in Metro Manila, the most basic of rules have not changed,” Año said.

“We still have to ensure that the people observe MPHS like frequent washing of hands, wearing of face mask and face shield, and physical distancing in order to prevent the further transmission of the virus,” he added.

Meanwhile, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said there is no estimate yet on when Metro Manila, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, will be placed under eased quarantine restrictions.

“Hindi ko alam kung kailan makakamit 'yan (Alert Level 1). Pero ang importante sa Metro Manila, ay mahigit 60% na ang ating pagbabakuna," (I don't know when can we reach Level 1. But what is important is that 60% of those in NCR are already fully vaccinated),” Roque said. —KBK/RSJ, GMA News