Mindanao Covid cases ‘outpacing’ NCR
We can see now that in terms of increase in cases, the Mindanao cases as a whole have outpaced the rest of Luzon and even in NCR
The rising number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases being reported in Mindanao has led the Department of Health (DoH) to conclude that the virus transmission in the region is outpacing the National Capital Region (NCR) and its nearby provinces’ infections.
DoH Epidemiology Bureau OIC-director Dr. Althea de Guzman disclosed that Mindanao’s virus cases is going at a fast rate, although it is still not surpassing recorded cases in the NCR Plus bubble composed of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.
“We can see now that in terms of increase in cases, the Mindanao cases as a whole have outpaced the rest of Luzon and even in NCR,” De Guzman said. She added that while all regions in Mindanao are showing an increase in Covid-19 cases at a fast rate, the number is not bigger than in NCR, which is also experiencing slight increase in recorded infections.
“This is what we are signaling, the numbers are not that big compared to NCR as we are still reporting around an average thousands of cases a day. But here, the peak is around 350, others particularly in BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) is just around 100 only,” De Guzman said.
The DoH official, however, reiterated that virus transmission in Mindanao is being monitored as the increase in cases could possibly lead to more infections. As of 1 June, the healthcare utilization
rate in the BARMM region is at 48 percent, but the intensive care unit (ICU) utilization rate is at 83 percent and considered as high risk.
The Health department earlier said that it has seen positive growth in 12 regions in Visayas and Mindanao such as BARMM, Regions 9, 10, 4B, 6, 12, 1, 11, 7, 5, 8 and Caraga as these regions are under moderate risk classification along with Cordillera Administrative Region, NCR and Region 2.
The average daily reported cases between 27 to 2 June were 6,691, significantly higher compared to 20 to 26 May which were around 5,214 cases and De Guzman noted that the average daily cases are now higher than at the start of May.
The DoH revealed that NCR showed a slight increase in cases over the past week from 1,047 (2 to 25 May) to 1,129 cases from 26 May to 2 June.
“Looking at the Luzon island group, though there are increases in cases, the fastest jump in cases were recorded in the rest of the Region 3 provinces and highly urbanized cites as well as Region 2,” De Guzman said.
The DoH reminded the public to continue to observe and adhere to minimum public health standards and get vaccinated based on the government’s prioritization list to curb the further transmission of Covid-19.