Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 9) — The average number of daily COVID-19 cases in the capital region is expected to dip below 1,900 by May 14, according to OCTA Research in its latest report.

The research group said on Sunday that the average tally of new infections in Metro Manila stood at 2,172 from May 2 to 8, down from the 3,144 count last week. The region also had a -31% one-week growth rate during the period.

NCR’s daily average is also 61% lower compared to the surge’s peak from March 29 to April 4, added OCTA Research.

The group likewise said the region’s reproduction number currently stands at 0.67. This is lower than the 0.83 figure OCTA Research reported during the week prior.

The reproduction number, or R-naught, pertains to a disease’s transmission rate, counting how many people an infected person can pass the virus to. It should ideally be one or less, with a higher figure indicating a still significant community transmission, according to medical experts.

The capital region’s positivity rate, meanwhile, was at 14%, from an average of 23,100 tests per day. This is also less than the 17% OCTA Research flagged last week, with an average of 24,250 daily tests.

OCTA Research also noted hospital bed and intensive care unit occupancy rates of 50% and 67%, respectively, compared to the 56% and 71% logged the week before.

Metro Manila is currently under modified enhanced community quarantine, along with Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal. The area was placed under stricter lockdown measures compared to the rest of the country until May 14 in the government’s bid to curb the alarming rise in coronavirus infections.

Source: CNN Philippines (https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/5/9/OCTA-Research-report-May-9.html?fbclid=IwAR0GYA9AtLgYJi09TxiQeY5D8Q-Jmt8ajE_T3_p2eaPJvHD3_ZHoreVu2rs)