OCTA: Metro Manila positivity rate rising, but indicators still considered low

Some shoppers keep their mask on at a public market in Marikina City on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022 following President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr's suspension of the mandatory policy on face masks in outdoor settings on September 12.

The STAR / Walter Bollozos

MANILA, Philippines — With students trooping back to face-to-face classes and face masks no longer required, independent pandemic monitor OCTA Research said Friday that Metro Manila is heading into yet another surge, though most indicators remain low for the time being. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lifted the compulsory wearing of masks outdoors, except in areas where people cannot observe social distancing. People are still required to wear masks in indoor establishments and public transportation.

In a tweet advisory, OCTA Research fellow Guido David said the think tank observed the following upticks in COVID-19 indicators in Metro Manila:

• Positivity rate: From 12.7% on September 7 to 14.5% as of September 14
• Reproduction number: 1.03 on September 5 to 1.14 as of September 12
• Average daily attack rate: 6.12 per 100,000 population (moderate)
• One-week growth rate: 18% from -4% the previous week
• Healthcare utilization rate: 36% on September 5 to 39% as of September 14
• ICU occupancy rate: 24% as of September 5 to 33% as of September 14

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/09/16/2210125/octa-metro-manila-positivity-rate-rising-indicators-still-considered-low