The rapid increase in the COVID-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila had slowed slightly, possibly indicating that infections in the capital region were “close to peaking,” independent monitoring group OCTA Research said Monday.
“The slowdown in the positivity rate in NCR could mean we may be close to peaking, in getting to the peak in NCR. But that’s a ‘could’. It’s just a possibility, no guarantee. We still have to wait for the trends in the next few days,” said OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David on GMA’s 24 Oras.
Daily cases nationwide could reach 35,000 this week with 20,000 coming from the National Capital Region, David added—but after the peak, cases might decrease.
“It follows the South Africa experience, it will slow just as quickly.
Maybe by the end of January, there will be fewer cases. Again, that is not something we can guarantee. We’re just comparing it from the experience of South Africa,” he said.
“If cases in the NCR continue to increase, most likely we’ll hit 40,000 (daily cases). But there is a chance it will be peaking soon. So maybe we won’t reach 40,000,” he added.
The positivity rate in the NCR increased to 52% from the previous 50.5%, as David earlier expressed hope that the positivity rate will not rise to 60%.
The NCR is currently under Alert Level 3 until January 15. Under this alert level, several establishments are allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals, and 50% outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.
