NCR COVID-19 positivity rate slows slightly –OCTA

The rapid increase in the COVID-19 positivity rate in the National Capital Region had slowed slightly, possibly indicating that NCR infections were "close to peaking," independent monitoring group OCTA Research said Monday.

"'Yong 'pag slow down ng positivity rate in NCR could mean we may be close to peaking, in getting to the peak in NCR. But could lang 'yan. It's just a possibility, no guarantee. We still have to wait for the trends in the next few days," said OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David in Lei Alviz's 24 Oras report.

David also said daily cases nationwide could reach 35,000 this week with 20,000 coming from the NCR.

After the peak, David said cases might decrease.

"It follows the South Africa experience, mabilis din ang pagbaba ng cases. Maybe by the end of January mababa na. Again, that is not something we can guarantee. We're just comparing it from the experience of South Africa," he said.

(It follows the South Africa experience, it will slow just as quickly. Maybe by the end of January, there will be fewer cases.)

"Kung magpatuloy na tumaas ang NCR, most likely we'll hit 40,000 but there is a chance na it will be peaking soon so baka hindi natin maabot 'yong 40,000 kasi a lot of it depends on NCR because most of the cases come from NCR," he added.

(If cases in the NCR continue to increase, most likely we'll hit 40,000. But there is a chance it will be peaking soon. So maybe we won't reach 40,000.)

The positivity rate in the NCR increased to 52% from the previous 50.5%.

David earlier expressed hope that the positivity rate will not rise to 60%.

The NCR is currently under Alert Level 3 until January 15. Under this alert level, several establishments are allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals, and 50% outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.

The Philippines on Monday registered an all-time high in new COVID-19 infections with 33,169, raising the Philippines' total caseload to 2,998,530. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News