THE Covid-19 positivity rates in the provinces of Bulacan, Tarlac and Zambales, all in Central Luzon decreased moderately.

But Pampanga and Bataan posted slight increases as of June 3, according to Octa Research.

In a Twitter post on Monday, OCTA Research fellow Guido David said lower positivity rates from May 27 to June 3 were reported in Bulacan (22.1 percent to 19.9 percent), Tarlac (21.2 percent to 15.6 percent) and Zambales (24.8 percent to 21.6 percent).

The Covid-19 positivity rate in Pampanga, meanwhile, logged a slight increase (26.8 percent to 27.5 percent) and Bataan registering a small uptick (38.4 percent to 39.5 percent) during the particular period.

David noted that Pampanga and Bataan recorded 45 and 32 "fresh new cases" respectively on June 3, while Bulacan logged 76 and Nueva Ecija, 25.

David reported a nationwide positivity rate of 18.1 percent on Sunday, June 4.

He expressed optimism that the downward trend will continue along with the decreasing number of cases.

This trend, he added, may "increase again sometime later in the year."

He said the outlook will change if the Covid-19 variant XBB 2.3 Acrux comes into the picture.