The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) daily positivity rate in Metro Manila is now close to the World Health Organization's (WHO) benchmark of 5 percent after decreasing to 6.8 percent as of Monday, Feb. 14, the OCTA Research Group said on Tuesday, Feb. 15.
If the trends continue, OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David said that Metro Manila's positivity rate, or the number of individuals who yielded positive results from among those who were tested for COVID-19, could be less than 5 percent by March 1.
From 8 percent on Sunday, Feb. 13, Metro Manila's positivity rate decreased to 6.8 percent on Monday.
"Safely by March 1, maaabot na natin ang less than 5 percent positivity rate sa Metro Manila (we will reach less than 5 percent positivity rate in Metro Manila)," David said during the Laging Handa public briefing.
According to the benchmark set by the WHO, a positivity rate of below 5 percent should be maintained for 14 days before the transmission of COVID-19 can be considered contained.
David also maintained OCTA's projection of 1,000 to 2,000 new cases per day in the country by the end of February or early March.
The Philippines averaged 3,600 daily cases in the last seven days.
The OCTA fellow advised the public to continue to strictly observe the minimum public health protocols to maintain the improving COVID situation in the country.