OCTA Research team expert identified Tuesday the four regions considered as COVID-19 epicenters in the country.
According to Dr. Guido David, the epicenters are the National Capital Region, Davao Region, Calabarzon, and some areas of Central Luzon.
“Ang epicenters ngayon nasa Metro Manila, Davao, and Calabarzon. Nandoon pa rin ‘yun sa Quezon, nakikita natin tumataas pa ang kaso. Sa Central Luzon, actually kasama din ‘yan, dahil tumataas sa Bulacan, at saka sa Pampanga,” David said.
“Medyo marami pa rin ‘yung epicenters natin. Hindi pa rin talaga nawawala ‘yung virus. So, Metro Manila, Davao Region, Calabarzon, and parts of Central Luzon,” he added.
Meanwhile, Professor Ranjit Rye, another member of OCTA Research, reminded the public to continue observing health and safety protocols to prevent further virus transmissions.
He also urged the government to improve the communication of information about COVID-19 to the public.
“Ito ang kailangan ayusin ng gobyerno in the next weeks or so: ‘yung communication. Kasi tumataas ‘yung mga kaso. Bagamat mabagal pa ang pagdagdag ng kaso, ini-expect natin na tataas ‘yan,” he said.
“Ang kailangan natin i-prevent ‘yung sinasabing surge, ‘yung pagbulusok ng mga kaso na mapupuno ang mga ospital at maraming health workers ang mahihirapan. At maaaring maraming mamatay,” he added.
OCTA Research identifies 4 regions as COVID-19 epicenters
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said general community quarantine (GCQ) remained over Metro Manila and other areas to prevent a COVID-19 surge during the Christmas holiday season.
“There would be more people going out, therefore increasing contact rate, also the transmission rate. There could be a potential surge of cases,” Duque said in an interview on CNN Philippines on Tuesday.
“The IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases) thought it best to maintain it para naman nang sa ganun, if we celebrate the Christmas holidays and the New Year, there should still be a measure of caution,” he added.
Duque said the public should be aware that COVID-19 cases could spike during the holidays.
In a public address aired on Monday night, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the following areas would be under GCQ until December 31:
- National Capital Region
- Batangas
- Iloilo City
- Tacloban City
- Lanao del Sur
- Iligan
- Davao City