Quezon City logged the highest number of new Covid-19 infections the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday with 1,781, followed by Manila with 1,407, and Makati with 605, the OCTA Research Group reported.
The NCR’s daily positivity rate now stands at 45%. “This projects to 15,000 -16,000 new Covid-19 cases in the country on January 6, with 10,000 to 11,000 new cases in the NCR,” and would eclipse the region’s previous high score of 9,031 on September 11, 2021,” OCTA Group’s fellow, Dr. Guido David said, adding that the surge has not peaked yet, and the country is projected to exceed 20,000 in the next few days.
QC Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (CESU) head Dr. Rolly Cruz said swab tests are in high demand right now and noted the “rapid increase in the number of people who want to get tested, mostly from those who experience symptoms such as colds and coughs, which is also common during this season.”
Aside from the free swab tests by the city government, Cruz said private laboratories also reported increases in requests for RT-PCR tests from people with flu-like symptoms.
Cruz said they now prioritize unvaccinated individuals who experience difficulty in breathing and living in high-risk areas, and advise those who are unable to book swab schedules to isolate themselves from their other family members.
“We advise QC citizens who are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as colds, runny nose, cough or fever, to isolate themselves from their family members immediately,” Cruz said.
QC Mayor Joy Belmonte has also urged her constituents to get their Covid-19 booster shots as soon as possible for increased protection against the disease, even as she assured the city is ready for possible infection surges.