The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring eight regions with increasing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said these are Regions 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 4A (Calabarzon), 7 (Central Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao), National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and 1(Ilocos Region).
In an online press briefing on Monday, July 26, she revealed that six of these regions exhibited trend reversals namely; Regions 2, 3, 4A, 7, 10, and NCR.
"We saw a one percent increase in cases in the recent two weeks from July 11 to 24 compared to the previous two weeks which is June 27 to July 10. That is nationally," said Vergeire.
"Also six regions had exhibited trend reversals from a negative to a positive two week growth rate showing an increase in cases the recent two weeks," she added.
Vergeire said CAR and Region 1 maintained their positive growth rates for the past six weeks.
The Health official also reported the reproduction rate in these regions.
"In CAR its .96 reproduction rate. Region 1 is 1.09, Region 2 is .95, Region 3 is 1.12, Region 4A is .98, Region 7 is 1, Region 10 is .91, Region 11 is .95 and NCR 1.009," said Vergeire.
Nationally, she said, the reproduction rate is 1.0059.
When asked what could be the reason for the rise in cases, Vergeire cited the clustering of cases as the source.
"When we say clustering, this is clustering of the COVID-19 cases. I'm not saying that this is a variant of concern. Let's make that clear," she said.
"We are seeing clustering of cases in the community for this different regions in the country," added Vergeire.