After weeks of declining number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections, Metro Manila is now down to "moderate" risk classification, according to independent research group OCTA.
In its latest report released on Monday, Oct. 4, OCTA noted that the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila has decreased by 28 percent to 3,120.
Metro Manila's reproduction number also dipped further to 0.81 and positivity rate decreased to 16 percent during the past week.
"Using our metrics, the following LGUs (local government units) are now considered moderate risk: Malabon, Manila, Navotas, Pasay, Parañaque, Valenzuela, Taguig, and Mandaluyong, while the rest of the LGUs remained at high risk, mainly because healthcare utilization remained high in those areas," OCTA said.
The risk levels are based on covidactnow.org, which uses the data on health care utilization rate, average daily attack rate, infection rate, and positivity rate.
OCTA pointed out that this may not reflect the ratings used by the country's Department of Health (DOH).
On Sept. 27, the DOH had said that Metro Manila was already under moderate risk classification for COVID-19.