The University of the Philippines (UP)-OCTA Research team identified 10 COVID-19 hotspots in the Visayas and Mindanao.
The experts noted the number of COVID-19 cases in these areas continues to increase.
COVID-19 hotspots in the Visayas, including the MIMAROPA region, are:
- Negros Occidental
- Iloilo
- Leyte
- Oriental Mindoro
- Capiz
The COVID-19 hotspots in Mindanao are found in:
- Lanao del Norte
- Lanao del Sur
- Agusan del Norte
- Misamis Oriental
- South Cotabato
10 COVID-19 hotspots identified in Visayas, Mindanao
Earlier, University of the Philippines professor and OCTA Research Team fellow Dr. Guido David said the COVID-19 curve in the National Capital Region and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon) already flattened.
“Tinitingnan natin yung reproduction number in the NCR (National Capital Region) and different locations. So now, less than one yung reproduction number. Yung average natin sa Philippines, flattened na [yung curve]. Sa NCR, sa CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas Rizal, and Quezon), flattened na siya, yung reproductive rate 0.95 so pababa na siya,” David said.
(We are looking at the reproduction number in the NCR and different locations. Now, we see fewer reproduction numbers. Our curve has already flattened in the NCR and CALABARZON. The current reproductive rate is around 0.95.)
“Hindi ibig sabihin flattened yung curve, wala nang COVID cases, mayroon pa. Ang nangyayari pag flattened yung curve, nagde-decrease yung cases natin,” he added.
(Flattening the curve doesn’t mean we no longer have COVID-19 cases. We still have cases. Flattening the curve means our cases are decreasing.)
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Professor Guido David also noted that a flattened curve is not irreversible.
“Of course, we would like to remind people not to be overly excited dito sa flattening of the curve. Yes, we’re seeing it, pero the trends are not irreversible. We can always reverse the trend at any time. Ibig sabihin, we can have another surge,” he warned.
David also noted that the positivity rate in the country also went down from 19 percent to the current 12 percent.
As of September 7, the Philippines has 49,931 active cases of COVID-19 after recording 184,906 recoveries and 3,890 deaths.