DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire again sought the help of local government units (LGUs) in enforcing the minimum public health safety protocols during the holidays.
Vergeire said local officials should constantly remind their constituents to wear face masks and face shields, and practice physical distancing to prevent a post-holiday surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.
“Sa darating po na holiday season, humihingi po kami ng tulong sa inyo. We are looking at a possible surge come January kung hindi po natin mako-control ang activities ng mga kababayan natin this holiday season,” Vergeire said in a virtual forum of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines on Thursday, December 10, 2020.
“Though bumababa na po ang mga kaso natin sa ating bansa, mayroon pa rin tayong mga piling lugar sa ating country where we are seeing the increase in the number of cases again. We are also seeing in certain areas of the country na ‘yung kanilang health system capacity, ‘yung critical care utilization like for hospital wards, ICUs, ay tumataas na po ulit. So sana po makatulong po namin kayo lahat para ma-control po natin ulit,” she added.
In a press briefing Friday, December 11, Vergeire said LGU officials should explore alternative means of celebration to avoid clustering of people.
"We are constantly reminding them of the possible surge. We are constantly reminding them that it is inevitable if we cannot prevent clustering of people while not complying with the minimum health standards," said Vergeire.
The health official issued the reminder as several areas opened Christmas attractions, where the public can have their pictures taken.
Among these are the Christmas lights in Ayala Avenue in Makati City, dancing fountain at the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila, Parola in UP Diliman in Quezon City, light show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila, and giant Christmas tree display at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City.
Meanwhile, the DOH clarified that there is no ban on “torotot” (trumpet) and whistle, but the use of these instruments are discouraged.
"While we cannot ban them, we hope the DILG will help enforce the policy of such noisemakers not being used this New Year," said Vergeire.
She stressed that the use of such instruments can result in the spread of Covid-19.
"We know that this can really increase the virus that can be expelled to the air and can be transmitted to those facing the one using the trumpet or whistle," said Vergeire.
The DOH is pushing for alternatives such as the use of drums, horns, pots and pans, coin banks, tambourines, and playing loud music. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / HDT / SunStar Philippines)