Independent research group OCTA said Cagayan de Oro City is among the “critical risk” areas for COVID-19 infections on Sunday, July 25.

In its July 18-24 monitoring report, OCTA said the city recorded critical levels in infections rate, as well as intensive care unit (ICU) utilization and positivity rate.

It now averaged 117 cases per day, a 109 percent higher than the 56 cases during the previous monitoring period. Moreover, the infection rate also increased to 1.54 percent, ICU utilization is 85 percent, and 24 percent testing positivity rate.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported on July 16 that it detected 16 cases of COVID-19 Delta variant in the country. Out of the which, five were from Cagayan de Oro City. Immediately, the city’s community quarantine status has been shifted from modified enhance community quarantine (MECQ) to enhance community quarantine (ECQ).

Meanwhile, a returning overseas Filipino (ROF) also tested positive for the Delta variant in a town near Bukidnon, placing the area under the MECQ classification.

Other ‘high risk’ areas

OCTA also added Mariveles, Bataan on the list of “high risk” areas for COVID-19 in the country, alongside Davao City, Cebu City, Iloilo City, Makati City, Lapu-Lapu City, General Santos City, Baguio City, Laoag City, Mandaue City, Las Piñas City, and Valenzuela City.

Mandaue City’s seven-day average of new cases rose by 130 percent, which the research body classified as “very high,” along with Valenzuela City (92 percent), Cebu City (82 percent), Caloocan City (74 percent), Lapu-Lapu City (60 percent), Manila (53 percent), and Caloocan City (74 percent).

Besides Cagayan de Oro and Mariveles, OCTA also observed a critical level of COVID-19 rate of infection in Mandaue City (2.16), Lapu-Lapu City (1.96), Cebu City (1.90), Laoag City (1.82), Valenzuela City (1.61), and Manila (1.43).

Meanwhile, Iloilo City’s ICU utilization rate was at 96 percent which is a critical level.

As of July 25, the DOH reported a total of 1,548,755 COVID-19 cases in the country, with 54,262 active cases, 1,467,269 recoveries, and 27,224 deaths. Moreover, the total number of Delta variant cases in the country is at 64.

—(Sources: Manila Bulletin, Inquirer.net)

We are reminding everyone to continue following the minimum health protocol (wearing a mask, good hand hygiene, observing social distancing, etc.), as well as availing of your FREE COVID-19 vaccination upon receiving your schedule from your local government vaccination program. Stay safe!

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Also Read: Cagayan de Oro City, three other areas placed under ECQ until July 31