The OCTA Research Group has observed rising Covid-19 positivity rates in Visayas and Mindanao, with five provinces in Visayas that already logged “very high” positivity rates.

“Positivity rates are rising, indicating increasing transmission of the virus,” OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David said in an update on Twitter on Monday, August 1.

Positivity rate refers to the number of individuals who yielded positive results from among those who were tested for Covid-19.

David pointed out that five provinces in Visayas have already registered “very high” rates, or above 20 percent.

The following provinces have very high positivity rates, as of July 30.

* Capiz - from 30.6 percent (July 23) to 51.2 percent (July 30),

* Aklan - from 34.2 percent to 36.9 percent,

* Antique - 22.2 percent to 28.7 percent,

* Bohol - 20.5 percent to 28.2 percent, and

* Negros Oriental - 23.2 percent to 27.6 percent

Other provinces in Visayas and Mindanao that have also seen increasing positivity rates are:

* Cebu (from 9.9 percent to 12.4 percent),

* Leyte (from 9.2 percent to 10.7 percent),

* Davao del Sur (from 6.2 percent to 9.1 percent),

* Misamis Oriental (from 9.7 percent to 17.2 percent),

* Negros Occidental (from 7.5 percent to 8.9 percent),

* South Cotabato (from 11.2 percent to 15.2 percent), and

* Zamboanga del Sur (from 9.7 percent to 12.7 percent)

The World Health Organization has recommended that the Covid-19 positivity rate should remain at 5 percent or lower.

On July 17, David urged residents in areas with very high positivity rates to continue to observe minimum health protocols.

“In provinces where the positivity rate is very high, i.e. above 20 percent, the public is strongly advised to practice necessary caution to prevent Covid infection,” he said.