The average number of daily coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Quezon City has dropped for the fourth straight week.

According to OCTA Research, Quezon City averaged just 178 cases per day from October 4 to 10 based on data from the Department of Health (DOH).

This marks the fourth straight week that the city gained a drop in the average number of daily cases, from 321 on September 13-19, 192 on September 20-26, and 184 on September 27-October 3.

Per the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (CESU) data on onset of illnesses or new cases within the two-week monitoring period, the average number of daily new cases from September 30 to October 6 is only 40.

The research group also noted a significant decrease in the reproduction number, from .79 percent last September 26 to October 2 to .71 from October 3 to 9 data.

Quezon City’s reproduction number is lower than National Capital Region’s .77 and the whole Philippines, which was pegged at .87.

“This continuous development for the past months shows us that our efforts are working well towards the goal of reducing and totally eradicating the virus,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

As for the positivity rate, from 10 percent last September 26 to October 2, Quezon City’s positivity rate is now at 9 percent. It is now closer to the target of 5 percent set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to indicate that the infection has been controlled.

Currently, Quezon City ranks 13th out of 17 local government units with an attack rate of 5.8% per 1,000 population.

Using the CESU data from October 3 to 10, the research group noted the decrease in active cases to only 8 percent of the 20,538 total cases.

“All indicators for Quezon City have improved. We are moving closer to our targets and we are positive that we will soon solve this pandemic in the city,” CESU head Dr. Rolly Cruz said.

After the inauguration of the Quezon City Molecular Laboratory, QC Task Force on COVID-19 Head Joseph Juico also added that the city will continue its efforts of Test, Isolate, and Treat.

“The molecular laboratory completes our strategy. We are now self-sufficient when it comes to processing our tests,” said Juico.

Accompanied by the expanded efforts on testing, Juico said the molecular laboratory will help the city to further identify patients and isolate them from their communities.

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