Metro Manila remains at “low risk” classification for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The health department’s statement was contrary to OCTA’s claim that the National Capital Region’s classification has been upgraded to moderate risk.
The DOH clarified that a “moderate risk” classification requires a positive two-week growth rate (TWGR) and an average daily attack rate (ADAR) of at least six average cases per day per 100,000 population.
“As of June 15, 2022, while NCR shows positive TWGR, its ADAR is still below 6, at less than 1 case per 100,000 population. The NCR would require at least 818 cases daily for two weeks to reach an ADAR of 6 cases per 100,000 population,” the DOH noted.
The health department added that the NCR continues to have low health care utilization rate (HCUR) and majority of patients do not need hospital admission.
“HCUR remains to be at low risk. At this stage of the pandemic, infections are expected. Most of them will be asymptomatic, mild, or moderate,” it said.
“What is important is the number of severe and critical hospital admissions. So long as these numbers remain low, we will stay at the current alert level while carefully monitoring the situation,” the DOH added.
— Ronald Espartinez