OCTA sees increase in Metro Manila's COVID-19 reproduction number


(PIXABAY)

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) reproduction number in Metro Manila has increased to 1.08, based on OCTA Research's latest monitoring report released on Wednesday, July 21.

The reproduction number provides the average number of secondary infections by each infected individual.

The daily average new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila was 744 from July 14-20, up from 629 cases during the July 7-13 monitoring period.

It has a "moderate" incidence rate or average daily attack rate of 5.39 cases per 100,000 population

Metro Manila also registered a 42 percent ICU utilization, and a 6 percent positivity rate.

In OCTA's report on Tuesday, July 20, it said that Metro Manila's reproduction number went above 1 for the first time since April 18, 2021, when the region was still under enhanced community quarantine.

"This uptick in the NCR (National Capital Region) is a cause for concern but not yet a cause for alarm, as it is still too early to determine if this will continue to an increasing trend," OCTA said.

It noted that the trend in the new cases in Metro Manila this week will be important in the outlook for the region.

Within Metro Manila, Makati City and Taguig City were tagged as "high risk" for COVID-19

As of Wednesday, Metro Manila is still classified as a "moderate risk" area for COVID infections.