OCTA fellow Guido David feared the daily COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila might reach 400 to 500 by end of the month if the increase in infections continues.
Guido said in National Capital Region, the positivity rate or the number of people who test positive for COVID-19, has climbed to 2.7 percent and its reproductivity rate has increased to 1.59. Quezon City, Manila, and Makati are under “yellow” status, he said. The QC epidemiology and surveillance unit earlier said its yellow status means preparation for a possible rise in cases.
“Sa ngayon, ang nakikita natin, patuloy ang pagtaas ng bilang ng kaso at medyo bumibilis pa siya sa Metro Manila,” David said in a televised briefing.
“Nasa 188 (cases) tayo kahapon. Posibleng tumas pa sa 200 to 300. In fact, ang projection namin, by end of June, baka umabot pa siya ng 400 to 500.”
Employers are urged to implement a flexible work or schedule or allow their employees to work from home to avoid virus transmission, David said.
“I-hold off muna ang pagbabalik ng mga tao. Sa June 15, balita ko, maraming work-from-home ang babalik na sa onsite yung work. Baka pwede i-reconsider rito ng offices para at least mabawasan ang capacity sa office,” he said.
“Makakatulong din ito dahil mataas ang pamasahe, fuel prices. Work-from-home will help them save money,” he added.
As for in-person classes, the government is urged to put “proper protocols in place” to protect students, David said.
He reminded the public to continue wearing face masks and observe minimum health standards.
The DOH on Monday said raising the capital regions alert level status is possible. Metro Manila has been placed under Alert Level 1 since March after a drop in fresh COVID cases recorded daily.
