NCR COVID-19 positivity rate down again at 2.3%, says OCTA

The COVID-19 positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) went down again to 2.3% on Saturday after it recorded an uptick the day before, independent monitoring group OCTA Research said on Monday.

Data provided by OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David showed that NCR’s positivity rate, or the percentage of people who were found positive for COVID-19 among the total number of individuals tested, “dipped back” to 2.3% on January 28, after it slightly increased to 2.4% on January 27.

The region’s positivity rate was at 2.0% on January 26, and 2.5% on January 20.

David said the recent increase in positivity rate may just be a one time event, adding that OCTA will continue monitoring the trend.

“For now, it looks like the spike is just a one off. Hopefully, the positivity rate continues to trend downward,” he said in a tweet.

For its part, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Monday that the policy on symptomatic testing is among the factors affecting the positivity rate.

The agency also pointed out that positivity rate is not the only criterion in measuring the level of response in the locality in terms of COVID-19.

“The increased probability of getting positive results is due to the fact that majority of those getting tested are having symptoms. That is why this is not the only criterion that will serve as indicator in our COVID-19 response,” the DOH said in a Viber message.

“We should always consider the capacity of the healthcare system to manage the cases, especially the severe and critical cases of COVID-19.”

Even infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante said Monday that the slight increases in COVID-19 positivity rate should not be a cause of concern now as the hospital admissions for severe and critical cases remain low.

The DOH said it will continue monitoring areas with a recorded increase in positivity rate. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News