OCTA: NCR positivity rate dropped, region now at moderate risk for COVID-19

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 1) — The National Capital Region (NCR) is back at moderate risk for COVID-19 as the positivity rate in the region decreased, the OCTA Research said Thursday.

OCTA said Metro Manila logged 19.9% weekly positivity rate as of May 30, down from the 24.4% seven-day positivity rate recorded last May 23, which placed the NCR at high-risk classification.

"COVID-19 hospital beds occupied decreased slightly over the same period and remaining at low occupancy," OCTA Research fellow Guido David added.

Department of Health (DOH) data showed since the pandemic started, NCR has recorded the most number of COVID-19 cases nationwide at 1,337,014 as of May 31.

Quezon City topped the list with 281, 380 infections. It was followed by Manila with 168,422; Pasig City with 98,020; Makati City with 97,557; and Taguig City with 95,830.

The country recorded 1,279 new COVID-19 patients as of May 31, pushing the nationwide tally to 4,142,814.

The DOH earlier said that it will not recommend the return of mandatory face mask use despite the rise in COVID-19 cases. However, some local government units and government offices have imposed mandatory wearing of mask indoors.