Group explains 4K new COVID cases in NCR

In recent days, over 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in the National Capital Region (NCR) per day, far from the highest of 18,000 at the height of the surge caused recently by the omicron variant.

But on Monday, the number of cases in the region doubled again, to 4,040.

Many were surprised by the number, but according to the OCTA Research Group, it is possible backlog or old cases that were not reported.

“Kasi ‘yong positivity rate, bumababa pa rin naman, from 20 percent to 17 percent. ‘Yong [reproduction] number bumababa saka ‘yong health care utilization, patuloy na bumababa,” said OCTA fellow Guido David.

But OCTA also thinks that the actual number of sick people in NCR may be even higher compared to what is reported by the Department of Health (DOH).

“Noong kasagsagan ng [omicron] surge, we estimated na it could be 10 times higher. Kung ‘pag sinama ‘yong mga nagho-home test, hindi nagre-report, mga nagse-self medication parang dinoble lang natin ‘yong bilang,” said David.

Despite this, it can be said that the worst phase of the last surge is over in many parts of the country.

Group explains 4K new COVID cases in NCR

In fact, it is expected that the country will record back to 4 digits or less as 10,000 new cases per day next week.

“I would say (for) Luzon, the worst is over. Sa Visayas din, the worst part is over except sa Negros Oriental. Davao City, the worst is over. Ganiyan din sa [Cagayan de Oro],” said David.