
The Department of Health (DOH) clarified on Thursday, June 16, that Metro Manila remains under the low-risk classification for Covid-19 despite an uptick in new infections.
In a statement, the state health agency “reiterates that NCR is still at low risk classification as of today, June 16, 2022” based on the monitoring of its Epidemiology Bureau.
The DOH said that while Metro Manila shows a positive two-week growth rate (TWGR), its average daily attack rate (ADAR) is still below six— at less than one case per 100,000 population as of June 15.
“NCR would require at least 818 cases daily for two weeks to reach an ADAR of six cases per 100,000 population,” the DOH said.
Also, Metro Manila’s healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) remains under the low-risk category, the DOH said.
“At this stage of the pandemic, infections are expected. Most of them will be asymptomatic, mild, or moderate - thanks to vaccination, boosters, and health protocols,” it said.
“What is important is the number of severe and critical hospital admissions. So long as these numbers remain low, we will stay at the current alert level while carefully monitoring the situation,” it added.
The DOH also reiterated the metrics that must be met before an area can be escalated to Alert Level 2 or if an area is already considered as moderate risk.
“For an area to be classified under moderate risk, it should have a positive two-week growth rate and average daily attack rate of at least six average cases per day per 100,000 population. From the perspective of healthcare utilization rate, there should also be moderate risk HCUR for escalation to Alert Level 2 to happen,” it said.
The DOH made the clarification following the report of the OCTA Research group that the capital region has now escalated to moderate Covid-19 risk classification.
It reminded everybody to "obtain information only from official sources."
“All concerned are also advised to consult with the DOH first before making any forecasts and issuing statements that may cause unnecessary panic and harm among the public,” the DOH said.