COVID-19 reproduction rate in NCR now at 1.76

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) reproduction number in Metro Manila increased to 1.76 as of August 12 amid the continuing increase in the number of daily infections in the region.

Independent research group OCTA reported that the reproduction number – the average number of secondary infections by each infected individual – was already down to 1.74 on August 10.

OCTA said the current reproduction number in the National Capital Region (NCR) remains within the “critical” level.

It also reported that the number of new infections in Metro Manila has also increased to an average of 2,503 cases for the period Aug. 5 to 11, from an average of 1,687 cases the previous week.

The figure is equivalent to a 48 percent increase, OCTA said.

Among the localities in the NCR, Quezon City (467 cases) has the highest number of average

daily new cases for the period of Aug. 5 to 11 at 467 cases. It is followed by Manila, 304 cases; Makati, 195 cases; Pasig, 171 cases; Taguig, 169 cases; Caloocan, 162 cases.

Meanwhile, the positivity rate of those tested for COVID-19 in the metropolis remains “high” at 17 percent, while the intensive care unit (ICU) occupancy rate was “moderate” at 69 percent.

OCTA reported that ICU occupancy rate in three Metro Manila cities has reached “critical” level following the rise in new cases amid the threat of the highly contagious Delta variant.

These areas are Taguig, 100 percent; Las Piñas, 100 percent; and Muntinlupa, 89 percent.

OCTA reported that ICU utilization rate in the 11 areas is now at “critical” level.

Nationwide, however, ICU occupancy rate remains “moderate” at 68 percent.