CABANATUAN CITY — Nueva Ecija was the only province in Central Luzon that has “contained” the spread of the coronavirus disease at reproduction rate (R) of .62, as of April 22, per the University of the Philippines April 22 insight published online.
Using data from the Department of Health study COVID 19: Forecast in the Philippines, Insights for Policy Making corresponded with President Duterte’s decision to extend the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine for two more weeks.
Table 2 of the study or the pandemic indicators for Central Luzon showed the pandemic is closed to being contained in Bataan and Tarlac which both posted Rs of .84; spreading in Bulacan, Pampanga and Zambales with Rs of 1.18, 1.20 and 1.65, respectively.
Based on data, Bataan had 69 cases with 41 of them new and deaths 3; Bulacan had 81 with 13 of them new, deaths 5; Nueva Ecija 46, 2 new, 0 deaths; Pampanga had 48 cases, 7 new, 7 deaths; Tarlac had 47, 4 new, 1 death; and Zambales with 22 cases, 6 new and 2 deaths.
“The indicators are very good in Nueva Ecija and positive in Bataan and Tarlac. Further monitoring is needed and a continuation of ECQ is advised, especially in Bulacan, Pampanga and Zambales,” it explained the numbers.
“The pandemic appears to be contained in Nueva Ecija. However, this trend has to continue for at least twoweeks to make sure there is no resurgence. It is advised that ECQ be continued in all these areas” the analysis of trends portion of the study reads.
Based on the latest data from the Nueva Ecija Inter-Agency Tas Force, the province has 42 confirmed Covid-19 cases, and 2 deaths.
The study noted, however, that “the number of active cases is not very reliable because there is also a delay in reporting recoveries, due to lack of testing equipment.”
“The number of new cases is over the previous 7 days (approximately from April 15), because most symptoms of Covid-19 appear within that period,” it added.
The insight which also included the National Capital Region and other provinces with reported cases of Covid-19 was published by the UP Media and Public Affairs Office on up.edu.ph and shared by the Nueva Ecija social.media page.
