QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The OCTA Research Group on Sunday reported that the positivity rate of COVID-19 in Metro Manila has increased to 15%, while 14 provinces have recorded a "very high" positivity rate that exceeds 20%.

In the data shared by OCTA Fellow Dr. Guido David on his Twitter account, he said from the previous 14.2% on July 23, it became 15% on July 29.

He also said that 14 provinces recorded very high positivity rates exceeding 20%.

It is known that Albay recorded a positivity rate of 25.4% on July 29 from only 14.2% last July 23.

Isabela recorded positivity rates that went from 25.7% to 36.3% while Quezon, which previously only had 16.3%, now has 27.5%.

Other areas that also recorded "very high" positivity rates are Cagayan (22.7%), Camarines Sur (28.4%); Cavite (27.1%), La Union (20.9%); Laguna (30.9%); Nueva Ecija (25.8%); Pampanga (23.2%); Pangasinan (21.0%); Rizal (21.7%); Tarlac (31.6%) and Zambales (27.2%).

Amid the rising COVID-19 cases in many parts of the country and the immune evasiveness of new variants, the OCTA group reminded the public to observe caution and practice the minimum public health standards. (PIA-NCR)