By JOAHNA LEI CASILAO, GMA News

Published December 24, 2021 9:31am

The OCTA Research group on Friday called on the public to follow public health standards during the holidays as it noted a slight increase in the positivity rate in the National Capital Region.

In his report, OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David said the positivity rate in the region rose to 0.77 from December 16 to 22 while the positivity rate in NCR was at its lowest from December 12 to 18 at 0.62

"This uptick may be dismissed as merely an effect of the holidays. On the other hand, this could also be the beginning of a change in the trend," David said.

"My interpretation at this time is we are seeing a holiday uptick due to the increased number of social gatherings, and this is not a cause for panic, but we must continue to follow public health standards while enjoying the holiday," he later added.

David said the group will be unable to have a clear situation until the first week of January, adding that they will reevaluate the situation in two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Philippines on Thursday reported 288 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide tally to 2,837,903 and active cases to 9,251. -- RSJ, GMA News