OCTA warns of possible COVID-19 ripple effect in Visayas, Mindanao

May 31 ------ The OCTA Research Group warned of a possible ripple effect in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, where COVID-19 cases could surge in line with that recorded in the National Capital Region (NCR) in March. According to OCTA Research Fellow Guido David, historical records show that a surge in NCR is usually followed by a jump in cases in other areas one to two months after.

"May cycle nga 'yan, parang nagkakaroon ng ripple effect, nagpupunta sa probinsya pero eventually, baka bumalik rin na naman sa NCR," he said in a report on GMA's "24 Oras Weekend" on Sunday. "Kaya importante talaga matutukan natin 'yung ano natin, 'yung vaccination. Mapuputol na 'yung cycle na 'yan kung talagang mapadami natin 'yung vaccinations," he added.

At present, the NCR reproduction number stands at 0.68, up from 0.5 previously. The research group said the same trend could be seen in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, making the need for tighter quarantine restrictions and boosting the vaccination program. For its part, the Department of Health (DOH) said it will ramp up its vaccination program starting June, in line with the expected arrival of additional vaccine doses.

Data from the DOH shows that only 80% of the A1 priority have been vaccinated, 9% to 12% of the A2, and 8% to 9% of the A3 list. All three priorities will continue to have a priority lane moving forward, as the government shifts to other individuals such as the A4 or economic frontliners. The Philippines on Sunday reported 7,058 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 1,223,627. This includes 53,757 active cases; 1,149,010 recoveries; and 20,860 deaths.

Source: gmanetwork.com