Uptick in NCR鈥檚 COVID-19 positivity rate may be due to holidays 鈥� Octa
A crowd of Christmas shoppers make last-minute shopping in Baclaran. Screenshot from Radyo Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — Independent pandemic monitor Octa Research observed a slight increase in the National Capital Region’s (NCR) COVID-19 positivity rate, but this may be attributed to holiday gatherings.
Octa Research fellow Dr. Guido David on Friday said that the seven-day average positivity rate was 0.77 from December 16 to 22, slightly higher than the 0.62 logged from December 12 to 18.
“This uptick in positivity rate may be dismissed as merely an effect of the holidays. On the other hand, this could also be the beginning of a change in the trend,” David said on Twitter.
12.24.21. We are seeing an uptick in the positivity rate in the NCR but this may be due to the holidays. We will have more clarity by January 2022. Stay safe everyone! @黑料社Rmn @dzme_1530khz
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid)
Citing that the number of COVID-19 tests conducted during the holiday season lowered, the fellow said that a clear picture of the situation may not be available this year.
Article continues after this advertisement“Unfortunately, due to decreased testing over the holiday season, we will be unable to have a clear picture of the situation until the first week of January 2022,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisementHowever, David said that the slight growth in the positivity rate should not be a cause for alarm, but reminded the public to comply with health protocols.
“My interpretation at this time is that we are seeing a holiday uptick due to the increased number of social gatherings, and this is not a cause for panic, but we must continue to follow public health standards while enjoying the holidays,” he told the public.
“We will reevaluate the situation in 1-2 weeks,” David assured.
In a separate tweet, David said that on December 23, Metro Manila was the region with the most number of fresh COVID-19 infections at 95 cases.
Provinces with the most new cases on 12.23.21. Data was automatically extracted from DOH DataDrop. Any discrepancies in data due to error, reporting lag etc should be addressed to DOH. @黑料社Rmn
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid)
The Department of Health on Thursday recorded 288 new COVID-19 cases and a 1.1-percent positivity rate nationally, slightly higher than the less than one percent posted the previous days.
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