By Alec Go
The Department of Health (DOH) viewed as a “cause of concern” the recent mass gatherings in the conduct of campaign activities for the May 2022 national and local elections.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reminded attendees of campaign gatherings to take precautions, noting that there is still COVID-19 transmission and mass gatherings remain prohibited.
“Ang lagi nating tatandaan, even though ang cases natin ay bumababa na, tatandaan natin na the virus is still here, the variants are still here,” she said in the Feb. 12 Laging Handa briefing.
“We have seen that these campaign sorties have resorted o nakapag-produce ng mga ganito kadaming gatherings… Mag-iingat po tayo dahil maaari pa ring makakuha ng sakit dulot niyan,” she added.
The official also reminded local government units to help the national government in enforcing health protocols and “to monitor these kinds of activities” to prevent further increase in the number of cases.
The campaign period for national candidates began earlier this week, marked by proclamation rallies and caravans of poll bets across the country.
Role models
Vergeire, also the spokesperson of DOH, called on candidates to take the initiative in showing the public complying with health protocols.
“To our campaigners, iyon pong ating mga kandidato, sana po tayo ay maging modelo para maipakita natin sa mga tao na dapat tumutupad tayong lahat sa safety protocols,” she said.
She said minimum health standards must continue to be observed even if the country transitions to Alert Level 1 or the new normal.
“Kung marami na po ang taong nakikita niyo sa pupuntahan niyo and there is no adequate ventilation, tayo ay mag-isip ng maraming beses bago po natin ituloy ang activity na ‘yan,” she said. – bny
Watch the Feb. 12 Laging Handa briefing here:
