OCTA: NCR’s COVID-19 healthcare utilization rate climbs to 35.6%

The COVID-19 healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) in the National Capital Region (NCR) climbed to 35.6% as of July 25, independent monitoring group OCTA Research said Wednesday.

The OCTA said this was an increase from the 31.7% recorded on July 24.

The Department of Health (DOH) defines HCUR as the aggregate of the utilization of intensive care units (ICU), isolation beds, and mechanical ventilators.

In a tweet, OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David said the ICU utilization rate in the region also slightly increased to 28% from 27.3% on July 24.

Covid-19 HCUR (healthcare utilization rate) and ICU occupancy in the NCR and cities of NCR as of July 25, 2022. HCUR in the NCR was at 35.6% while ICU occupancy was at 28%. HCUR in Muntinlupa and Pasig were at Moderate (between 50% and 70%). #COVID @dzbb pic.twitter.com/MxswGy2Oo4

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) July 27, 2022

Based on the latest data, David said HCUR in Muntinlupa, with 64.6%, and Pasig, with 56.4%, were at moderate risk.

Meanwhile, the OCTA fellow said other areas have 50% and below HCUR such as Manila (29.7%), Caloocan (33.7%), Las Piñas (40.6%), Makati (49%), Malabon (50%), Mandaluyong (18.9%), Marikina (47%), Navotas (16.7%), Parañaque (19.1%), San Juan (44.6%), Valenzuela (32.5%), Pasay (29%), Quezon City (40.9%), and Taguig (27.2%).

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier said that the country may see an increase in hospital utilization rate by the end of August or start of September due to COVID-19 infections.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire explained that based on projections, the COVID-19 cases nationally may escalate to 1,800 to 11,000 next month if the booster uptake will not be ramped up as the wall of immunity of some individuals will already wane by then.

The Health department said it will tap populated places such as offices, terminals, malls, and even schools as vaccination sites as it aims to boost 50% of the target population against COVID-19 within the first 100 days of the Marcos administration.—AOL, GMA News