COVID-19 transmission in NCR decreasing

The ‘reproduction number’ of COVID-19 in the National Capital Region (NCR) continues to drop to just .94, which is already below the ideal of less than 1.0, according to the OCTA Research Group.

The reproduction number is the number of possible infections a patient has with COVID-19. It is said that there is no more transmission of the virus if the reproduction number (R.O.) is less than 1.0.

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Moreover, the positivity rate in NCR has only been recorded from 19% to -20%. But it is still higher than international standards by only 5%. The positivity rate is those who test positive in the total number of those who pass the COVID-19 tests.

David believes the lockdowns implemented by the government in the region have helped drop cases. These include ECQ from August 6-20, MECQ from August 21-September 15, and current Alert Level 4 under GCQ.

Aside from quarantine, David believes the drop in cases is also related to the government’s vaccination program and people’s adherence to health protocols.

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Despite this, the DOH said the average daily attack rate (ADAR) in Metro Manila remains at “high risk.”

COVID-19 transmission in NCR decreasing

Apart from Metro Manila, the neighboring provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon also recorded less than one reproduction rate.

Benguet, Cagayan Valley, Negros Oriental, and Leyte are now recording an increase in cases that are still looking at whether there is this trend or just clustering.

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Meanwhile, gyms may also open while the new alert level system exists due to the need for exercise to boost resistance against disease, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Sunday that they have already asked the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to allow the re-operation of gyms in the country at 10% capacity.

Metro Manila is under Alert Level 4 from September 16-30, where only restaurants and salons can open in a limited capacity.

“’Yung susunod po nating ipapa-allow, dahil sa prinsipyo ng exercise, ay ‘yung gym. Pinag-iisapan ‘yan. ‘Yung exer­cise kasi nakakataas ng immunity,” said Lopez.

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