The Rise of COVID-19 in Metro Manila Starts Before Christmas: OCTA Research

MANILA – The OCTA Research Group warned on Tuesday that an increase in COVID-19 in Metro Manila has started ahead of the holidays as it urged the public to observe minimum health standards.

The capital region’s reproduction rate, or the number of people in a population infected on average by a virus carrier, has risen to 1.15 from 1.06 since last week and “continues to rise,” the researchers said.

“It is in this light that we believe, based on our analysis of data and past trends in the NCR (National Capital Region) that an increase in its early stages in the region has already begun. This is a serious cause. of concern, “they said.

The increase can still be reversed or mitigated, but the public and the government must “act now and act as one,” the group said.

He urged the public to avoid crowded and closed areas and to refrain from joining or hosting social gatherings this Christmas season.

“While we must and will celebrate Christmas, we must do so safely and responsibly, not only to ensure our own safety and well-being, but that of our families and our community,” he said.

“There is evidence from Europe and North America that increased social mixing between households is driving the second wave of COVID-19 in these parts of the world.”

The group urged national and local governments to strictly monitor and enforce minimum health standards such as physical distancing, use of masks and face shields, proper hygiene, and discourage large gatherings to reverse the rise in infections in communities.

He advised area officials and the national government to begin preparing their public health systems and personnel by increasing their medical care capacity.

Aside from the epicenter of the Metro Manila virus, other areas of concern are Rizal, Bulacan, Isabela, Leyte, Pangasinan, South Cotabato, and Negros Oriental.

“In the areas of concern at NCR and across the country identified in this report, we urge the local government units involved to further intensify their testing, tracking and isolation efforts to reverse the increase in transmissions in their communities.” the group said. .

Tighter border controls and more aggressive and effective localized blockades are “urgently needed to suppress more viral transmissions,” the group added.

“There must be more effective and stricter border controls to mitigate COVID-19 transmissions within and between provinces. Along with more effective inspection and other controls at our ports and airports, this will be crucial to support the government’s plans to expand both national and international. travel in the country, “he said.