(BusinessWorld) DAILY coronavirus infections in the Philippines could hit as many as 3,000 when Filipinos celebrate the Christmas holidays next month, according to a research group.

The country might record 2,000 to 3,000 daily coronavirus cases in December, OCTA Research Group fellow Fredegusto P. David said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “On Saturday, our daily cases already hit 1,874,” he said, citing a recent increase in infections.

OCTA also expects a significant increase in severe and critical cases. “It will lead to an increase in numbers but I don’t expect hospitals to become full or even exceed 30% of hospital care utilization rate,” he added.