Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 29) — While the COVID-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila dropped in the past week, it remained “very high” in seven provinces in Luzon, independent group OCTA Research said Monday.
OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said the positivity rate in the country’s capital region decreased to 12.9% on Aug. 27 from 14.6% logged last Aug. 20.
The following Luzon areas also recorded a dip in positivity rate, but David said the numbers were still “very high”:
— Albay (21.2%)
— Cagayan (29.7%)
— Camarines Sur (46.7%)
— Isabela (30.1%)
— La Union (20.1%)
— Nueva Ecija (42.5%)
— Tarlac (37.3%)
“Nearly all provinces in Luzon had a decrease in positivity rate. Bataan decreased to less than 10%,” he tweeted.
The positivity rate refers to the percentage of tested people with positive results. The World Health Organization has set a positivity rate benchmark of below 5%.
David also said on Sunday that COVID-19 cases in the Philippines may start dropping by the middle of September.
READ: OCTA sees less than 1,000 daily cases by mid-September
The Philippines logged 19,262 new COVID-19 cases from Aug. 22 to 28, which is 19% lower than the previous week, the Department of Health reported on Monday.
NCR positivity rate decreased from 14.6% (Aug 20) to 12.9% (Aug 27). Nearly all provinces in Luzon had a decrease in positivity rate. Bataan decreased to less than 10%. PR decreased but remained very high in Albay, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Isabela, La Union, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac. pic.twitter.com/RSngxhxo4P
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) August 29, 2022
