MANILA – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has prohibited traditional caroling this Christmas season to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday said the IATF-EID has instead recommended the conduct of Christmas caroling online.
“Sinabi na ng IATF na ang caroling ay talagang pinagbabawal natin,” Galvez said at Laging Handa public briefing. “Singing loudly is the topmost activity that can spread the virus.”
Galvez added that members of the IATF-EID will meet on Thursday to discuss other measures that could be taken to prevent the surge in cases during the holiday season.
“Kailangan pa rin po tayo na maging vigilant… Kaunting tiis na lang po dahil kahit malapit na po ang COVID-19 vaccine, iyong minimum health standard ang ating i-implement,” Galvez said.
The Department of Health earlier said it is creating a contingency plan that will outline the responsibilities of concerned national and local officials once a “post-holiday season surge” occurs./PN
