COVID cases surge in small towns in Apayao, Cagayan -- OCTA

The surge of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant is slowing down in most parts of the country, including Metro Manila, but infections are spreading fast across two small towns in Apayao and Cagayan, independent research group OCTA said in its latest report.
"The Delta surge is slowing down in the NCR and most provinces in the Philippines. However, there are smaller municipalities where outbreaks have occurred," OCTA said in its national COVID update released on Saturday, Nov. 6.
The research group noted that Pudtol, Apayao and Santa Ana, Cagayan have seen a significant increase in their reproduction numbers or infection rates at 3.80 and 2.17 respectively, over the past week.
Reproduction number refers to the average number of secondary infections that result from exposure to one infected individual.
OCTA said the municipalities of Pudtol and Santa Ana are classified as "critical risk," based on the criteria of the Covid Act Now--a US-developed tool that aims to help communities understand the impact of the pandemic.
From Oct. 30 to Nov. 5, the average daily attack rate (ADAR) or incidence rate in the municipality of Pudtol was 128.05 new daily cases per 100,000.
Meanwhile, the ADAR in Santa Ana town was 51.01 new daily cases per 100,000 during the same period.
OCTA also noted that recent areas of concern such as Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental and Lubang in Occidental Mindoro are seeing a downward trend in new COVID-19 cases.
However, these areas are still classified as "high risk" for COVID-19.
"Zamboanga City still had the highest daily average of new cases outside the NCR (National Capital Region), but new cases in the city are on a downward trend," OCTA added.
Based on the research group's latest report, "moderate risk" areas are Zamboanga City, Baguio City, Bacolod City, Tuguegarao City, and Puerto Princesa City.
Meanwhile, Davao City and Antipolo City are classified as "low risk."