Localized lockdowns brought down COVID-19 cases in Navotas, Pasay —OCTA

The OCTA Research group said localized lockdowns have been effective in slowing down the upward trend in new COVID-19 infections.

According to Joseph Morong’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, the research team said the cities of Navotas and Pasay have “swiftly implemented localized lockdowns, particularly in the barangays of concern.”

The group said localized lockdowns in the two cities helped reduce the transmission and reproduction rate (R-naught).

The reproduction number in Pasay reached 2.5 on February 22, while Navotas’ R-naught was at 2.4.

Due to localized lockdowns, the reproduction rate dropped to 1.8 in both local governments.

A reproduction number of 1 or higher is an indication of the continuous transmission of the virus.

The country is seeing a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, which the Department of Health said is being driven by new coronavirus variants and relaxed adherence to health protocols.

Earlier, the group said curfews, border controls, reduced capacity in certain establishments, fewer social gatherings, continued compliance with health protocols, and continued monitoring and strict implementation by authorities can help “put an end to this surge.”

Last week, Metro Manila mayors agreed to implement a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew starting Monday, March 15, in a bid to curb the spike in cases.

Cases of COVID-19 in the country reached 626,893 on Monday. Active cases are at 53,479, the second highest number of active cases recorded this year.—LDF, GMA News