Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 17) — Three provinces are now at high risk for infections as their COVID-19 positivity rates increased to over 20%, according to an OCTA Research report released on Monday.
OCTA Research fellow Guido David said “high” positivity rates were recorded in Camarines Sur (21.1%), Misamis Oriental (22.7%), and Rizal (20.2%) as of April 15.
He added that “many provinces,” including Metro Manila, also witnessed higher positivity rates during the period.
The National Capital Region saw its positivity rate slightly go up from 6.5% last April 8 to 7.2% as of April 15, the report showed.
NCR 7-day positivity rate increased slightly from 6.5% to 7.2% as of April 15 2023. High positivity rates (more than 20%) were observed in Camarines Sur, Misamis Oriental and Rizal. Increasing positivity rates in many provinces. #covid19 #Covid @dzbb @DZAR1026 @dwiz882 pic.twitter.com/2tsPiqoLFR
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) April 17, 2023
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%.
Despite the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, the Department of Health has yet to recommend the reimposition of stricter mask-wearing rules.
In late 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. issued an executive order allowing individuals to not wear their face masks in indoor and outdoor spaces.
Mask-wearing in healthcare facilities and inside public transportation, however, remains a must.
