COVID-19 positivity rate down in NCR, 'very high' in 7 areas —OCTA

COVID-19 positivity rate has decreased in the National Capital Region but is “very high” in several provinces, according to independent group OCTA Research on Thursday.

In a tweet, OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David said the positivity rate in NCR dropped from 17.9% on October 8 to 15% on October 11. 

“Magandang balita ‘yan kasi kapag bumababa ang positivity rate, ang alam natin ay bumababa ‘yung bilang na kaso at kahit konti na lang yung nagpapatest ngayon, ‘yung positivity rate ay magandang indication,” he said in a public briefing.

(That's good news because when the positivity rate goes down, the number of cases is going down as well. Even if only a few people are getting tested now, the positivity rate is a good indication.)

“It means we’re headed in the right direction, nagsu-subisde ‘yung cases. Sana tuloy-tuloy ito hanggang katapusan ng taon [the cases are subsiding and I hope it continues until year end],” he added.

David, however, said the positivity rates are “very high” in Tarlac (51.8%), Camarines Sur (46.2%), Zambales (33.6%), South Cotabato (26.2%), Cavite (22.6%), Laguna (22.2%), and Rizal (21.2%) as of October 11.

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

David attributed the rise in positivity rates in these areas to the increased mobility of the people, complacency in the observance of the minimum public health standards, and the eased face mask mandate.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said 1,623 new COVID-19 cases have been reported, while the tally of active cases has dipped to 24,283 from the 25,004 recorded on Tuesday.

Current nationwide COVID-19 tally is at 3,973,091, according to the DOH. —Richa Noriega and Giselle Ombay/KBK/RSJ, GMA News