The text blast regarding proposed protocols and tips for Christmas parties and celebrations is now being investigated by the Department of Health (DOH).
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire clarified that the DOH is yet to announce guidelines for the celebration of Christmas and the holiday season to avoid confusion.
The text message quoted agencies such as the DOH, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Health Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC) urging people to open windows and use electric fans for Christmas parties, claiming that these are safer than outdoor events.
“Hindi pa po kami nagpapalabas. So we just wonder why lumabas na agad dahil pag-uusapan pa po sana itong messages na ito para hindi po nakakalito sa ating mga kababayan (We haven’t released [any guidelines yet]. So we just wonder why these were released when we are still about to discuss these messages to avoid confusing our countrymen),” Vergeire stated.
The DOH cautioned that parties may become super spreaders of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and may result in a spike of confirmed cases. It is now recommending alternative activities to prevent crowding and transmission. – Report from Mark Fetalco
