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Metro Manila, Philippines — The COVID-19 situation in most parts of the country is improving, according to OCTA Research.
“We believe that the worst is over in most parts of the country,” OCTA Research fellow Guido David said in a forum on Monday, noting that COVID-19 cases in many areas have either peaked or are peaking.
“The decrease is happening earlier in Cebu City compared to Mandaue but, nevertheless, we are seeing a decrease in Cebu, also in Davao City,” he added.
However, David said there is “a significant increase in new cases” in several areas in Mindanao, including the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Cotabato, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Maguindanao, Negros Oriental, Sarangani, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.
The government has approved the de-escalation to Alert Level 2 in Metro Manila and in the provinces of Batanes, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Biliran, Southern Leyte and Basilan from Feb. 1 to Feb. 15.
The government also classified Metro Manila as “moderate risk” for COVID-19 primarily due to its healthcare utilization rate at 39%, which is considered as low risk, David said.
The National Capital Region may be classified as “low risk” in two weeks if the downward trend continues, he added.
David also reminded the public to follow health protocols and isolate when they feel symptoms.
On Monday, the country’s total tally of COVID-19 cases reached 3,560,202. Death toll was at 54,003 died, while recoveries reached 3,315,381.
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