MANILA, Philippines — The number of coronavirus disease cases could reach 85,000 with 2,000 deaths by the end of July if the reproduction number of the virus continues to increase, according to a recent study conducted by the University of the Philippines OCTA Research. 12, which is titled “COVID-19 Forecasts in the Philippines: NCR, Cebu and COVID-19 Hotposts as of July 10, 2020,” which was posted on its Facebook page. This also means the current reproduction number in the country is about 1.75 and increasing, the researchers said. If Metro Manila shifts to a more relaxed modified general community quarantine, there will be an increase in reproduction number, the study also stated. “The reproduction number Rt in Cebu has now decreased to 1.14 from more than 2 during MECQ.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 18, 2020 15:11 UTC