BACOLOD City – The city government is discouraging the holding of work- or non-family-related Christmas parties or gatherings.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia said it remains very risky to hold holiday merrymakings where physical distancing is difficult to observe.
He recently issued Executive Order 81 containing the guidelines for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mitigation and compliance to public health standards this Yuletide season.
Here are the salient points:
* traditional caroling or the act of going house to house to sing Christmas carols are prohibited
* caroling is “only allowed when this activity is done virtually or through online means, or by family members living in the same household and that the act is conducted within the confines of their homes
* residents are encouraged to conduct Christmas and New Year gatherings with attendees limited to members of the family living in the same household
* families not living in the same household who wish to get together should hold gathering outdoors and with a proper observance of physical distancing
* virtual get-togethers and Christmas and New Year parties or gatherings held in the home are highly encouraged; there should be one person assigned to serve the food, and multiple people touching the serving spoon and plates should be avoided
* residents shall refrain from gift exchanges; however, if extremely necessary, place disinfectants and rubbing alcohol nearby and practice proper hand hygiene before and after opening presents
* for persons or establishments intending to conduct gift-giving, they must ensure that standard health protocols such as wearing of facemasks and face shields and strict physical distancing are strictly observed
* recipients of non-perishable gifts and packages are highly encouraged to wait at least three to five days before opening the same as the COVID-19 virus can still be present on the surfaces during this time
According to Leonardia, Bacolodnons should protect their family members and friends from COVID-19 during the holidays by strongly adhering to minimum health standards.
“The best gift we can give our loved ones this Christmas is to strictly observe health protocols,” the mayor said./PN
