By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – As the world nears the Christmas season, a tradition in the Philippines is to prepare and hold gatherings. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed all that.
The Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine National Police (PNP) continue to issue advisories, pointing out that gatherings are allowed only if it is within the family’s bubble.
The DOH reminds everyone that Inviting people outside the bubble increases the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar added in a video message to reporters on Sunday (Oct. 24) that although they are aware of Filipinos’ penchant for celebrations, it is not yet time to be complacent.
“Your Philippine National Police is aware of the traditions and some of us may be encouraged by the continuous drop in COVID-19 cases in our country,” Eleazar said in Filipino. “But we advise the public to postpone it first or make it limited to your own homes because instead of trick or treating (on Oct. 31), it may end up with a trip and treatment to the hospital when the children become infected and they don’t have any vaccine yet.”
Eleazar also warned establishments to follow protocols or else, their businesses could be closed down.
Metro Manila is under Alert Level 3 until Oct. 31, with 30% indoor capacity allowed for those who are fully vaccinated and 50% outdoor capacity regardless of vaccination status.
The government said Alert Level 2 is possible if COVID-19 infections continue to decline.
As of Saturday (Oct. 23), there are 63,051 active cases, a marked improvement from the previous two months when the numbers exceeded 100,000.
“On the part of the PNP, we will continuously make our presence felt in the communities to ensure that minimum public health safety guidelines are observed and eventually lead to further reduction of COVID-19 cases in the country,” Eleazar said. (PNA) – bny
