QC LGU notes decline in COVID-19 cases amid recent surge

A mist cannon from the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office sprays disinfectant solution in the compound of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office in Quezon City recently (Contributed photo)

CALOOCAN CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- After the recent upward trend in the number of COVID-19 cases recorded in Quezon City, the OCTA Research Group reported an improvement in the City’s indicator numbers.

In its latest report, the average number of cases for April 20 to 26 dropped to 743 compared to 1183 average cases for the week of March 30 to April 5 which was considered as the peak of the recent surge.

From a reproduction of 1.59, the latest reproduction number now is 1.23, closer to the recommended reproduction number of the World Health Organization of less than 1. The positivity rate is slightly lower at 21% from 26% and the daily attack rate per 100,000 population was pegged at 23.60%.

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte attributed the lower numbers to the improved COVID-19 strategy of testing, tracing, and isolating.

“Our increased efforts on testing, contact tracing, and additional isolation facilities have greatly helped curb the increase in numbers. We will continue to improve our systems so that we can prevent surges,” Mayor Belmonte said.

Average tests conducted per day have increased to 3298 which are conducted in three local government hospitals and 11 community-based testing sites located in six districts.

“We are seeing great improvements in Quezon City. We are positive that if the mitigating efforts being done by the local government will be sustained for 2-3 more weeks, the numbers will continue to decrease based on our projections,” OCTA Research Group Fellow Dr. Guido David said.

As of April 29, the Quezon City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (CESU) reported that active cases have decreased to 7,126 (8.8%). Meanwhile, recoveries account for 73,200 (90%), and deaths are at 995 (1.2%).

The city’s isolation and quarantine facilities are being increased to more than 3000 beds as city-owned buildings and schools are transformed into facilities complete with beds and other medical requirements. Additional COVID-19 beds were set up in Quezon City General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital.

However, Belmonte urged residents to continue doing their part in this COVID-19 response by strictly following basic health protocols especially when they are commuting to and from their workplaces, outside their residences, and inside business establishments. (PIA NCR)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)