By Fernan Angeles
THE Department of Health (DOH) has issued public health guidelines aimed at making sure the surge of infections does not take place while Filipinos celebrate the holidays.
In releasing DOH circular No. 2020-0355, Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire advised limited face-to-face activities even during the holidays and instead conduct celebrations virtually, do their shopping online, and attend online Masses, among others.
“Alalahanin po natin na mas mataas ang risk [sa pagkalat ng COVID-19 ang] in-person activities kaya po kung hindi maiiwasan ang mga ito, piliin po natin ang mga outdoor activities na open at nasa well-ventilated areas,” Vergeire said.
Vergeire added that Filipinos should instead shorten the duration of in-person activities if they want to hold gatherings.
She likewise cited the need to observe minimum health standards such as the wearing of face masks, face shields, physical distancing, and cough etiquette.
“If and when hindi po maiiwasan na magkaroon ng mga ganitong activities, remember to [follow] these minimum health standards,” she said.
The DOH also discouraged Filipinos from traveling to areas with a higher quarantine classification, and vice versa.
“Activities with participants who are travelling from areas of higher quarantine classification may increase the spread of the virus to areas with lower quarantine classification,” the DOH circular read.
The health department also prohibited buffet-style food service and the sharing of household items during celebrations.
Surfaces indoors should also be disinfected at all times.
“Household items may be contaminated by respiratory droplets. Hence, avoid unnecessary touching of surfaces and sharing of household items… Packaging must also be disinfected prior to distribution,” said DOH.
Proper hand hygiene before and after exchanging gifts should be observed and hand sanitizers must be readily available, it added.
The DOH also imposed a restriction on the use of videoke machines during the holidays, saying activities such as singing could transmit the virus at a higher chance.
Vergeire said the recommendation is based on a study she recently read.
“Dito ipinakita [ang transmittal ng virus] kapag ikaw ay nagsasalita, na kapag ikaw ay humihinga, kapag ikaw ay umuubo at nakikita sa pag-aaral na ito na kapag ikaw ay kumakanta ito ang pinakamataas na load ng virus na puwede mong mai-transmit,” she said, citing a study.
However, she clarified that immediate family members living under one roof may use videoke machines.
“Siyempre ‘pag may ganito pong mga ebidensya… sinasabi po natin na hindi na po muna natin mairerekomenda na itong videoke ay mabuksan although sa pam-pamilya lang na di lumalabas pwede naman natin ‘yang payagan, pero ang mga malawakan baka po puwedeng iwasan na muna.”
In mid-October, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año announced that Christmas parties are prohibited in Metro Manila this year after mayors agreed to place the entire region under general community quarantine until yearend.