NCR at 'low risk' for COVID-19 with 4% positivity rate —OCTA

The National Capital Region (NCR) remained at low risk classification for COVID-19 as its positivity rate further decreased to 4%, the OCTA Research reported Saturday. 

According to data presented by OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David, as of Friday, February 25, NCR had a reproduction number of 0.21; its healthcare utilization rate was at 25%; and its intensive care unit utilization rate was at 27%.

Its average daily attack rate was "moderate" at 2.30.

The positivity rate refers to the percentage of people who were found positive for COVID-19 among the total number of individuals tested.

The reproduction rate refers to the number of people infected by one case. A reproduction number that is below 1 indicates that the transmission of the virus is slowing down.

The provinces of Aurora and Quezon were at "very low" risk with Quezon having a positivity rate of 3%.

Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Rizal, Zambales were also at low risk.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday said the NCR is ready to deescalate to Alert Level 1 with its current metrics.

Metro Manila mayors have agreed to recommend the de-escalation of the region to Alert Level 1 from Alert Level 2 starting March 1, 2022.

NCR is under Alert Level 2 until February 28.

On Friday, the Philippines logged 1,671 new COVID-19 infections, increasing the nationwide tally to 3,658,892.

Of this number, 55,140 are active; 3,547,528 recovered; and 56,224 died. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News