OCTA raises concern as NCR’s positivity rate tops 5%

MANILA – The positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) has exceeded 5 percent as of Monday, the first time since October, the OCTA Research Group said Tuesday night.

In a tweet, OCTA Research Group fellow, Dr. Guido David, noted new Covid-19 cases are expected to hit 1,200 with at least 400 infections in the NCR by Wednesday with such positivity rate.

Positivity rate is the percentage of Covid-19 tests performed which turned out positive in a certain area or region.

“There is now a concern that this is not just a holiday uptick. Please be advised that the situation is changing in the NCR and we must now be mindful of minimum public health standards,” David said.

He added the reproduction number in the region has increased to 1.03 and it could reach as high as 1.39 based on testing.

Reproduction number is the number of individuals a Covid-19 case could infect with the virus.

“This rapid increase in the reproduction number could only mean one thing. Let us continue to be extra vigilant,” he said.