COVID-19 positivity rate up to 3.2% in NCR —OCTA

The seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) has increased in the past week but remained below 5%, independent monitoring group OCTA Research said Monday.

From 2.2% recorded on March 11, the positivity rate in the NCR increased to 3.2% on March 18, OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said on Twitter.

"NCR remained LOW, below 5%," David said.

Positivity rate refers to the percentage of people found positive for COVID-19 among the total number of individuals tested.

A positivity rate of less than 5% was recommended by the World Health Organization in May 2020. If the positivity rate is at 5% or higher, it means there is high virus transmission.

Meanwhile, David said positivity rates up in two southern Philippine provinces — Misamis Oriental with 17.1% on March 18, up from 11.1% on March 11, and South Cotabato with 13.2%, up from 10.5%.

The Department of Health on Sunday logged 185 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide caseload to 4,078,994.

It was the 12th straight day that more than 100 new daily cases have been reported, according to GMA Integrated News Research, and the fourth straight day that the number has exceeded 150. —KBK, GMA Integrated News