The Department of Health (DOH) said that Metro Manila is now under the “moderate” risk classification after a decreasing trend of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases was observed in recent days.
“Moderate-risk na po ang NCR (National Capital Region) kahapon pa. Bumababa na po ng husto ang ating mga kaso at nakarating na tayo sa moderate case classification (NCR is now at moderate-risk since yesterday. The cases are declining significantly and we have reached the moderate case classification),” said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire during the Malacanang press briefing on Friday, Jan. 28.
Vergeire said that the number of cases in Metro Manila this week was “67 percent lower” than the previous week.
“Ngayon, ang average ng National Capital Region is just at 4,398---seven-day moving average for their daily case as compared to last week---ang ating average nun was about 13,298. So malaki na po ang binababa (Currently, the seven-day moving average for their daily case is just at 4,398 as compared to last week---our average was about 13,298. So, we already have a significant decline),” she added.
The DOH also observed a downward trend of cases in Metro Manila’s neighboring provinces such as Bulacan and Rizal— which were also now under the moderate-risk classification, she said.
Despite this improvement, Vergeire reminded residents of Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces not to let their guards down.
“NCR and NCR-Plus must still remain vigilant with our simple and effective health protocols,” she said.
VisMin situation
However, Vergeire said Visayas and Mindanao are currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases.
“Meron nalang tayong mga binabantayan ngayon especially ang Visayas and Mindanao na ngayon natin nakikita ang pagtaas ng kaso. Specific talagang mataas ang kaso ngayon sa Region 7, 6, and 11 (We are still monitoring some areas especially in Visayas and Mindanao where we are now seeing an increase in cases. There's a higher number of cases specifically in Regions 7, 6, and 11),” she said.
The DOH spokesperson said there is no reason for people in Visayas and Mindanao to panic.
“Those in Visayas and Mindanao need not panic but continued adherence to health protocols and increasing vaccination rates will help protect our hospitals and contain the spread of the virus,” said Vergeire.