NCR seen to shift to Alert Level 1 soon

In a briefing, OCTA Research Group fellow Dr. Guido David said the positivity rate in the national capital region (NCR) is at 4.9 percent. This is lower than the 5 percent benchmark set by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

David further said that the healthcare utilization in the region is only at 25 percent, while the intensive care unit (ICU) utilization also remains low. 

“So sa palagay namin, sa perspective ng numbers ay mukhang nandun na tayo. Baka by next week, baka by March 1, pwede na nga ibaba sa Alert Level 1," David said. 

He noted that minor outbreaks may still occur, especially if health protocols are not followed in campaign rallies. David noted that campaigns should be held in well-ventilated areas, with attendees vaccinated and boosted.

Currently, Metro Manila remains at Alert Level 2 until the end of the month. 

Meanwhile, the government said it aims to vaccinate 80 percent of the country’s vulnerable population before shifting to Alert Level 1. 

"Bago ma-de-escalate to Alert Level 1, kinakailangang 80% [ang vaccination rate] ng ating A2 and A3,” health secretary Francisco Duqe said. “Kung hindi po sila makarating sa panukatan na 'yan ay hindi tayo puwedeng ibaba.”

Metro Manila mayors are set to meet on Tuesday, February 22 to decide the alert level status of the region.