OCTA: NCR's COVID-19 cases going down with -10% weekly growth rate

The weekly growth rate of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila is now at -10%, indicating a downward trajectory of new cases, a fellow of OCTA Research said on Wednesday.

On Twitter, Dr. Guido David added that the reproduction number in Metro Manila has dipped to 1.79 from 2.07.

As of Wednesday, David said the  metropolis recorded 8,376 fresh COVID-19 infections.

"The last time the NCR had less than 10,000 cases in one day was exactly two weeks ago on January 5, when the surge was still accelerating," David said.

David said the pattern happening in Metro Manila was similar to South Africa, where the variant was first detected.

"The pattern is very similar to the South Africa experience of a rapid surge followed by a dramatic decrease in infections," David said.

He asked the public not to be complacent and continue to follow basic health protocols.

"While this is encouraging news, it must be emphasized that NCR remains at critical risk as the ADAR and the positivity rate are still above critical levels, and that residents are advised not to be complacent and still comply strictly with minimum public health standards so as not to prolong the surge of infections," David said.

Despite the rising number of new COVID-19 cases being reported, a Department of Health official warned that there could still be underreported infections or those unknowingly infected with the virus.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III also previously declared that the Philippines, Metro Manila,  Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Cordillera Administrative Region and  Central Luzon are under critical risk even as the growth rate of infections are slowing down. 

The OCTA Research Group also noted that growth rate in regions outside Metro Manila is still accelerating. 

Also, DOH reported 492 additional cases of Omicron in the Philippines, raising the total to 535.—NB, GMA News