MANILA, Philippines — According to the independent OCTA Research group, the risk of COVID-19 has increased significantly in nine provinces of Luzon, including metro Manila.
Ilocos Sur’s positive rate spiked the most, from 21.7% to 32.9%, on November 26, as indicated by the data given on Sunday by OCTA colleague Guido David. Data also showed an increase in cases from 15.9 percent to 23.7 percent in Kalinga and from 24.7% to 27% in Benguet.
The percentages in the other provinces are as follows:
- La Union (20.7% to 22%)
- Cagayan (14.4%)
- Pangasinan (13.2%)
- Ilocos Norte (4.7%)
- Bulacan (5.6%)
- Batangas (5.4%)
Isabela had the highest percentage among the listed provinces at 44.4%, however, this was a decrease from the 49.4% reported on November 19. The numbers in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija also went down, but they remained high at 36.5% and 32.9%, respectively. Metro Manila’s positivity rate also rose to 11.1% on November 26 from 7.5% on November 19.
David has earlier stated that although there is now no cause for alarm in the capital region, the increasing trend is likely to lead to a reappearance of the June surge in cases.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) has already confirmed that the highly contagious and immune-evasive Omicron BQ.1 sublineage has already been found in the country.
Due to this, Dr. Rontgene Solante, urged people to get their required booster shots, especially those who are vulnerable.