Three provinces in the Philippines have been classified as high-risk for COVID-19 infections after its positivity rates surpassed 20%, as per the recent report released on Monday by OCTA Research.&nbsp;
Camarines Sur (21.1%), Misamis Oriental (22.7%), and Rizal (20.2%) have all recorded elevated positivity rates as of April 15, according to Guido David, a fellow at OCTA Research.&nbsp;
Several provinces, including the densely populated Metro Manila, have also experienced an increase in positivity rates during the same period.
"NCR (National Capital Region)&nbsp; 7-day positivity rate increased slightly from 6.5% to 7.2% as of April 15, 2023. High positivity rates (more than 20%) were observed in Camarines Sur, Misamis Oriental, and Rizal. Increasing positivity rates in many provinces," he wrote.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://dzrh-bucket.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/featuredimage/blobid1681801102001" alt="" width="492" height="509" />
Photo courtesy: Dr. Guido David
The positivity rate is the percentage of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 among those who have been tested.&nbsp;
The World Health Organization recommends a positivity rate benchmark of below 5% as an indication of effective virus control measures.
Despite the surge in COVID-19 cases and high positivity rates, the Department of Health has not yet recommended the reimplementation of stricter mask-wearing rules.&nbsp;
In late 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/prez-marcos-allows-'optional'-use-of-face-mask-for-indoor-outdoor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> an executive order that allowed individuals to forgo wearing face masks in indoor and outdoor spaces.&nbsp;
However, wearing masks in healthcare facilities and public transportation remains mandatory as a preventive measure.

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OCTA: 3 areas in 'high risk' category for COVID-19