The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public on Monday night to practice minimum public health standards in the observance of Holy Week to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
During the April 11 Talk to the People, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there were 1,903 COVID-19 cases recorded from April 5 to 11, with a daily average of 271 cases, lower than the previous week’s 366 daily average cases.
“Mas mababa po ito kumpara sa naitalang kaso para sa March 29 hanggang April 4 of 2022 na dati po, noong isang linggo, 2,565 cases ang naitala at mayroon po tayong 366 daily average cases,” Vergeire said.
Despite the improvements in the country’s COVID-19 situation, Vergeire reminded the public to be cautious in observing the Holy Week through avoiding dangerous activities such as crucifixion as a form of self-punishment.
“Bagama’t alam po namin na marami sa atin ang tunay na deboto at may panata, kung maaari pa lang po sana maiwasan natin ang mga aktibidades kagaya ng pagpepenitensiya sa paraan ng pagpapako sa krus at iba pa, upang maiwasan natin ang tetanus at pagkakaroon ng sugat at impeksiyon,” she said.
“Pinapayuhan din po ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ang publiko na iwasan ang paghalik sa mga santo at santa at iba pang imahen o poon sa ating mga simbahan dahil maaari po itong maging paraan ng pagkalat ng virus,” she added.
The official asked the public anew to observe minimum public health standards such as wearing of masks, self-isolating when not feeling well, getting vaccinated, and ensuring proper ventilation of venues.
Meanwhile, she said the country will remain under the minimal risk classification as the healthcare utilization stays at low-risk category.
“Patuloy ngunit mabagal na po ang pagbaba ng ating mga kaso dito sa ating bansa. Gayunpaman, nananatili po tayong nasa minimal risk ang ating case classification at nasa low risk naman po ang ating healthcare utilization rate,” Vergeire said. – KC–ag