The OCTA Research Group now considers Davao City and Western Visayas as among the epicenters of cases for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) after observing surges in infections from the virus in the past days.

The National Capital Region, with an average of 1,000 cases per day, is still one of the epicenters, Prof. Guido David said, but noted corresponding increases in Mindanao.

“It depends on the definition or perspective of the person on what an epicenter is. From our perspective, it (Davao City) is also one of the epicenters now, along with Western Visayas,” David said in a televised public briefing on Wednesday.

As of Wednesday, Davao City had 2,830 active Covid-19 cases, more than half of the region’s total 5,306.

Western Visayas had 9,517 active cases, also as of June 9, led by Iloilo City with 2,269.

David said NCR cases are on a decline as hospitals are no longer congested.

On Monday, OCTA Research reported cases increased in Davao City, South Cotabato, General Santos, Cotabato City, and Western Visayas.

“In some LGUs (local government units) in Mindanao, the hospital utilization rate is already high so this is very concerning,” David said. “In Davao City, the hospitals are not yet full but the increase in cases is concerning. Increase in cases need to be slowed down.”