THE Municipal Government of Sto. Tomas launched a special hotline for individuals who will defy the "no caroling" policy in the area.
In a public advisory, the local government unit (LGU) launched its "Oplan Karoling" Hotline, where citizens can report to law enforcement authorities of any organized groups sighted to be conducting caroling in any residential communities within the municipality. The hotline numbers are 09072085978 and 09677039787.
The Santo Tomas government is strictly enforcing the "no caroling" policy to avoid mass gatherings as the entire country is still under a public health crisis brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The public can also report to their respective barangay officials and tanods for immediate and appropriate action and for the issuance of citation tickets should there be violation to the 'no caroling' policy," the municipal government said in a statement.
In addition, the LGU did not authorize any organized groups to conduct caroling as it would invite crowds, making people vulnerable to the viral transmission.
Based on the December 8 data of the Provincial Health Office of Davao del Norte, Sto. Tomas has a total of 49 positive individuals, wherein 41 already recovered and eight are active cases.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio had also earlier announced the prohibition of caroling in the city.
The mayor said singing may transmit droplets from one person to another.
"Dili nato i-allow ang caroling kay ang singing is one activity na worse pa sa talking kay malagpot ang laway (We will not allow caroling because singing has a higher viral transmission risk than talking)," Duterte-Carpio previously said in a radio interview.
According to the World Health Organization, viruses can spread from an infected person's mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they sing, cough, sneeze, speak or breathe heavily.
An article from sciencedaily.com said a study from the Aerosol Technology at Lund University shows that singing -- particularly loud and consonant-rich singing -- spreads a lot of aerosol particles and droplets into the surrounding air.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had also encouraged the public to do Christmas activities online.
