THE Department of Health (DOH), together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), assured the public that it is safe to organize and attend public gatherings, meetings and festivals as long as all precautionary measures identified by the health department are observed.

The health department said the joint statement was made to clarify the agency’s advisory on concerts and other public events and gatherings issued last February 7.

The DOH also reminds the public to wash their hands regularly and to seek medical attention if signs of cough, colds, sore throat and fever appear.

“All preventive and precautionary measures have been put in place by the national government to contain the spread of the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease),” the DOH said.

The guidelines in handling any tourism enterprises during this global emergency are being implemented in hotels and resorts around the country even before the temporary travel ban, the statement added.

Likewise, the facilities are equipped with infrared thermometers and more hand sanitizers.

“The safety of the public, especially our tourists and employees in the tourism sector, remains the priority of the Philippine Government,” the DOT said.