THE Department of Health (DOH) said on Saturday, October 23, that Halloween and Christmas parties were not prohibited but urged the public to do it only among family members as a preventive measure against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during a Laging Handa public briefing that 3Cs, or the closed, crowded and close contact places, should be considered during gatherings.

"Mass gatherings are still prohibited, (but those taking place) within the bubble of the family are allowed, but safety protocols needed to be implemented," she said.

"I-recognize natin 'yan na (3Cs) 'yan po ang mga pinakamagbibigay ng impeksiyon sa pamilya," she added.

Vergeire urged those experiencing symptoms not to attend gatherings to avoid possibly infecting others.

Meanwhile, Vergeire also warned against political gatherings ahead of the 2022 elections.

"Paalala naman po sa ating local governments, alam naman po natin at naiintindihan natin na nagkakampanya na tayo. Sana tayo na po ang magkaroon ng responsibilidad na magkaroon ng ganitong safety protocols during our campaign period," she said.

The National Government eased quarantine measures in various parts of the country, including the National Capital Region.

On October 23, the DOH recorded 5,807 fresh Covid-19 cases.

A total of 2,751,667 infections were recorded in the country, with 41,585 deaths and 2,647,031 recoveries. (SunStar Philippines)