By Alec Go
Malacañang and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday (Dec. 3) reminded the public to observe health protocols as they celebrate during the holiday season.
Cabinet Sec. Karlo Nograles said in his briefing that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), Department of Health (DOH), and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) will issue further reminders this month.
He said the reminders will be based on current health protocols and resolutions of the IATF. He advised that “safety first” be observed even ahead of the issuance of holiday reminders.
“Huwag nating kalimutan – mask, hugas, iwas, bakuna. So iyan ang pinaka-essence siguro o pinakadapat umiiral sa lahat,” he said.
In a separate briefing, DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said face-to-face gatherings in establishments and offices must adhere to the current alert level restrictions imposed in their location.
“Kung Alert Level 2 po ang isang lugar, iyong mga ganyang klaseng Christmas parties is 50% capacity of the venue and plus 10% of the venue if may Safety Seal iyong lugar na iyon,” he said.
“Besides the venue capacity ay kailangan pong sumunod sa minimum public health standards, kailangan po lagi naka-face mask, at lagi pong may social distancing,” he added.
Malaya said host establishments that fail to implement health and safety protocols may have their Safety Seals and business permits revoked.
Meanwhile, the DILG expressed alarm over the conduct of campaign events by several candidates, and stressed political rallies remain prohibited during the pandemic. – jlo
