THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday, February 17, said public events may be held as long as organizers prepare precautionary measures against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
In a statement, DILG undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said they were no longer discouraging the conduct of public events like concerts considering that measures to prevent the possible spread of the virus are strictly observed.
He said local government units should strictly implement all the guidelines in handling guests which includes monitoring all participants to public events with infrared thermometers, providing all participants with hand sanitizers or 70-percent isopropyl alcohol, asking everyone to use surgical masks and providing waste baskets for the proper disposal of all types of wastes.
"While they may continue with public gatherings at their discretion, we wish to remind the general public to wash your hands regularly, and to seek medical attention if signs of cough, colds, sore throat and fever appear," he said.
"If the LGU decides to push through with their public events, they should discourage those with cough, colds, sore throat and fever from attending and they should have medical personnel on standby for any eventuality. Moreover, they should closely coordinate with their DOH counterparts so that they are properly guided," he added.
Amid the Covid-19 scare, President Rodrigo Duterte earlier encouraged the nation to travel with him to see for themselves that it is safe to visit the country's tourist spots. (SunStar Philippines)