Independent pandemic monitoring group OCTA Research on Tuesday expressed concerns that the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) may no longer be from a holiday uptick.
This comes as the daily positivity rate in NCR spiked to more than five percent as of December 27 - the first time since October 24.
According to OCTA, the seven-day positivity rate is also up at 2.4%, and new COVID-19 infections could go up on Wednesday.
"New cases in the country are projected to hit 1,200 by December 29, 2021, with at least 400 in the NCR," OCTA's Dr. Guido David said in a statement.
"There is now concern that this is not just a holiday uptick," David added.
Previously, the OCTA research fellow attributed the increase in cases to the holiday season, where more gatherings are ongoing.
But as cases increase, David urged caution and called for observance of public health protocols.
"Please be advised that the situation is changing the NCR and we must now be very mindful of minimum public health standards," David said.
