It’s just a few hours before we celebrate the most awaited occasion of the year – Christmas Day.
As we revel in the celebration, it is a gentle reminder that while we celebrate this most wondrous occasion of the year, let us make sure that it is done with utmost regard for minimum health protocols as we are all still in a pandemic.
I also call out everyone to extend their blessings to share with those most affected by Typhoon Odette that struck many parts of Visayas last week. Sharing with them our largesse is the best way to celebrate the birth of Christ.
The Health Agency reports 310 new cases based on 1.4% positivity (which is up from a previous <1.0%) with only 28,561 tests done on December 22. More cases than recoveries puts the active cases at 9,321 – with slightly around 60% of them moderate to critically ill.
There are 69 additional deaths today enough to push the total deaths to more than 51,000.
NCR had a small but worrisome rise in cases owning 42% of the total cases for the country today with 129 cases. Notice how all the other regions maintained lower cases with 9 regions reporting single digit cases. It’s been awhile since NCR saw triple digits and the Christmas rush has contributed to this rise (including positivity rate which is up in NCR as well).
On a provincial level, Rizal, Iloilo and Isabela had very low double digits but led among provinces.
And on an LGU level, NCR cities dominated 9 out of 10 spots in the top ten, with 5 of the NCR LGUs reporting double digits and the City of Manila reporting the highest cases at 31.
Relative Joy 