QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The seven-day positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) leaped to 17.2 percent as of April 29 from 10.2 percent on April 22, according to OCTA Research monitoring group. 

This means that a significant increase of individuals who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in the region. 

To date, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded a log of 1,263 new cases as of April 30 which brings the total of active COVID-19 cases in the country to 5,875. 

Meanwhile the hospital occupancy rate in NCR slightly rose to 23 percent from 21 percent with zero reported COVID-related deaths. 

On the other hand, OCTA Research Fellow Dr. Guido David reminded the general public to be cautious and mindful of the new COVID-19 variant called ‘Arcturus’ that might present a sore eyes-like symptom. 

“Google trends for ‘sore eyes’ in the Philippines saw a rise beginning March 2023, around the same time Covid cases were rising. However, we cannot draw any conclusion because incidence of sore eyes also increase during the summer months,” Dr. Guido David said. (PIA-NCR)