OCTA: Metro Manila's reproduction number increases to 2.19
Metro Manila’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) reproduction number has increased to 2.19, the region’s highest tally since July 2020, said the OCTA Research group on Friday, Dec. 31.

“The reproduction number in the National Capital Region (NCR) increased to 2.19 as of Dec. 27. indicates the average number of infections due to one infected individual,” said Dr. Guido David, an OCTA Research fellow in a Twitter post on Friday, Dec. 31.
David likewise said that despite the increasing reproduction number in the region, its COVID-19 hospital bed occupancy remained “very low.”
“In the meantime, the number of COVID-19 hospital beds occupied increased by 16 percent to 1,712. At 20 percent occupancy, this is considered very low and is still far below the threshold level of 70 percent,” David said.
Meanwhile, David added that the number of occupied intensive care unit (ICU) beds in the region also remained below the threshold level at 24 percent.
OCTA said the entire region remained at moderate risk for COVID-19. Moreover, the group of experts reiterated that the COVID-19 reproduction number may be controlled by “strictly complying” with minimum public health protocols and reducing social and mass gatherings. (Charie Mae F. Abarca)