The number of new COVID-19 cases recorded in other regions besides Metro Manila and its neighboring areas continues to be high, according to the data.
The OCTA Research report shows Isabela, Cagayan, and Benguet as areas of concern.
The growth rate has reached 158 percent from September 15 to 21 in Isabela while 29 percent in Benguet.
ABS-CBN Data Analytics’ observation does not go away either.
“Region 2, nasa 64% ‘yung weekly growth rate so positive siya, mataas. ‘Yung Region 1, Ilocos Region, 3%. CAR is at 9%. So ‘yung mga nasa Norte, nakikita natin ay pataas pa rin ang numbers and Region 5, Bicol, nasa 55% ang weekly growth rate,” said ABS-CBN Data Analytics head Edson Guido.
Although the growth rate of Cagayan, including Isabela and Benguet, is at -1 percent, their hospital bed and ICU utilization rates are also at a critical level, as is their positivity rate.
Batanes is also one of them, which recorded 48 new COVID-19 cases. Two hundred four of their 221 cases remain active.
There are currently 13 patients admitted to Batanes General Hospital due to the disease, and they see the cause as the recent onslaught of Typhoon Kiko.
COVID-19 cases in some regions remain high
The hospital’s medical chief, Dr. Jeffrey Canceran, added that the COVID-19 infection could be considered a community transmission.
“Medyo malaki po ang na-damage sa probinsya lalo na ‘yung mga quarantine facilities and isolation, tapos ‘yung the most ay tubig po at siyempre walang power. Ang mga tao ay kaniya kaniyang igib ng tubig kaya nawawala ‘yung minimum health standard protocols,” said Canceran.
“Ito po ay community transmission na po. Karamihan ng mga kaso ay galing sa komunidad. May mga staff tayong na-infect din, pero they are not rotating sa COVID ward,” he added.
Meanwhile, Guido said,”We have to remember na hindi lang ‘yung beds ang tinitignan kung hindi ‘yung manpower din. ‘Yung mga health care workers din. Kasama din sila. Kasama din sila sa mga nao-overwhelm.”
The Department of Health insists that the condition of health facilities is better now compared to last year. But they think improvements to facilities should not be stopped.
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