The Philippines on Wednesday recorded a 4.3 positivity rate, according to the Department of Health, based on the number of those who underwent the RT-PCR test on Monday.
The positivity rate is the number of testers out of the total number of testers recorded in an area. It measures the contamination level of COVID-19.
Based on World Health Organization guidelines, if a country can maintain its positivity rate below 5 percent for two weeks, the pandemic in the area can be said to be “under control.”
According to OCTA Research, contact tracing and testing are better than last year, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“Based on LGUs (local government units) we are working on, the contact tracing has improved by 30 percent. Contact tracing is really good right now, testing is good at least in NCR,” said OCTA fellow Guido David.
“Testing, tracing, and isolation facilities need to be expanded outside of NCR… Budget for contact tracing must be sustained throughout this year and next year,” said OCTA fellow Ranjit Rye.
But according to health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon, the number was only pulled because of the low positivity rate in NCR.
On the other hand, OCTA Research reminded that caution is still needed, especially when it comes to keeping the data drop in COVID-19.
DOH: PH records 4.3 percent COVID-19 positivity rate
“We’re still not out of the woods. We still have to be careful when going out, practice minimum health standards to maintain these trends. I’m not saying there would be a reversal, but it could happen if we’re not careful,” said David.
As of Thursday, the Philippines recorded 1,974 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 2,811,248 cases, of which 28,660 were active infections.
Meanwhile, President Duterte on Thursday approved the implementation of the COVID-19 alert system nationwide.
For now, only in some regions does the 5-level system exist, which will replace community quarantine status and impose COVID-19 restrictions.
According to the executive order (EO) signed by Duterte, the system will help open up the economy while safeguarding the health and safety of the public.
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