Three provinces in the Philippines have been classified as high-risk for COVID-19 infections after its positivity rates surpassed 20%, as per the recent report released on Monday by OCTA Research.
Camarines Sur (21.1%), Misamis Oriental (22.7%), and Rizal (20.2%) have all recorded elevated positivity rates as of April 15, according to Guido David, a fellow at OCTA Research.
Several provinces, including the densely populated Metro Manila, have also experienced an increase in positivity rates during the same period.
"NCR (National Capital Region) 7-day positivity rate increased slightly from 6.5% to 7.2% as of April 15, 2023. High positivity rates (more than 20%) were observed in Camarines Sur, Misamis Oriental, and Rizal. Increasing positivity rates in many provinces," he wrote.
Photo courtesy: Dr. Guido David
The positivity rate is the percentage of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 among those who have been tested.
The World Health Organization recommends a positivity rate benchmark of below 5% as an indication of effective virus control measures.
Despite the surge in COVID-19 cases and high positivity rates, the Department of Health has not yet recommended the reimplementation of stricter mask-wearing rules.
In late 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. issued an executive order that allowed individuals to forgo wearing face masks in indoor and outdoor spaces.
However, wearing masks in healthcare facilities and public transportation remains mandatory as a preventive measure.
