By Gian Angnged
Most cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) are undergoing an increase in new cases, the OCTA research group said Tuesday, March 16.
In an interview with ANC, OCTA research chief Dr. Guido David noted that most areas in NCR are nearing close to the levels seen in August 2020.
David added that the “outbreak” that started in the cities of Pasay City, Malabon City, and Navotas City “has now spread to many areas of NCR”.
He also shared his observation that the COVID-19 surge is “not just happening in NCR but is also happening in many areas in Calabarzon, like Rizal and Cavite, and parts of Bulacan.”
David attributed the uptick in cases to increased mobility, decreased compliance with health protocols, and the presence of the new variants of COVID-19 recently detected in the Philippines.
The expert also said that hospital bed occupancy in Metro Manila will rise to around 70 percent by the end of March. Earlier Monday, the Department of Health said 65% of ICU beds were occupied in the capital region.
OCTA Research warned previously that COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila could spike to more than 4,000 cases per day by the end of the month.
As of Tuesday, March 23, the Philippines logged 5,867 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of active cases to 86,200, and the total number of cases to 677,653.
References:
https://www.rappler.com/nation/experts-say-daily-covid-19-cases-ncr-increase-end-march
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/779828/daily-new-covid-19-cases-could-hit-11-000-by-end-march-says-octa-research/story/
https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/16/ph-covid-reproduction-number-now-at-2-03-daily-cases-may-reach-up-to-11000-by-end-of-march-octa-research/amp/
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