ILOILO City – For a problem- and sickness-free observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ days, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 issued safety tips, especially for when visiting cemeteries.
Dr. Fritzi Ann Suzette Jeroso-Dequito, head of the Health Promotion Unit of DOH-6, outlined these safety measures in three phases: before going to cemeteries, while in cemeteries, and after visiting cemeteries.
First, plan the day and time of the visit. It is better to go earlier to avoid the crowd, she said.
“Kinahanglan preparado gid kita, mas maayo nga kung magkadto kita didto indi bala tam-an kainit kag indi tam-an kadamo sang mga tawo para wala sang dinaguso nga matabu,” Jeroso-Dequito told Panay News.
Second, if possible, do not bring children, senior citizens, pregnant women, or relatives who are sick.
“Kon may ginabatyag na kita, especially subong daw medyo uso ang trangkaso, mas maayo nga indi lang kita anay magkadto sa patyo,” she said.
Jeroso-Dequito suggested to those who cannot visit that they offer prayers and a mass to remember their departed loved ones.
Third, especially for those who hold picnics, ensure the food is prepared cleanly and cooked well.
Fourth, bring an umbrella or raincoat, extra facemask and clothes, alcohol, towel, and enough drinking water.
Tips while at the cemetery
Jeroso-Dequito said only vaccinated individuals against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) should go, in anticipation of the crowd.
Second, cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Third, follow the rules and regulations implemented by the local government unit (LGU).
Tips after visiting the cemetery
First, dispose of the garbage properly.
Second, do not forget to sanitize the hands.
Third, keep wearing a facemask when going home and riding in public utility vehicles.
Lastly, if at home, don’t forget to disinfect by taking a shower and changing clothes.
Jeroso-Dequito also said anyone who feels symptoms of influenza afterward should seek medical consultation.
“Ang concern naton sa influenza-like illness kay because naga-change ang weather sa subong nga tinion,” she added.
How important are the guidelines?
“It would be better para man sa aton nga health protection and security nga i-follow ang amo sini nga reminders kay indi man ini mabudlay sundon,” she said.
Finally, she encouraged the public to keep all the tips in mind and practice them.
“Sa aton publiko, mas maayo gid nga sundon ang reminders sang DOH, sa protocols sang kada cemetery nga kadtoan. Health is our priority,” Jeroso-Dequito emphasized.
The DOH-6 has an emergency unit on standby at its regional office in Santa Barbara town to monitor the situation across the region. All government-managed hospitals are placed on “code white alert” as well.
‘No children in cemeteries’
In line with this, Jeroso-Dequito reiterated the order of Health secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa not to bring small, vulnerable children to cemeteries.
“Important nga sundon sang aton nanay kag tatay kay sila [children] ang susceptible sa masakit, dasig ni sila ya malatnan. Tapos mapalayo man naton sila nga indi sila ma-aksidente or madula sa patyo. Amo na ang reason nga nagahambal si Secretary nga it would be better nga indi naton sila pagdal-on,” she said.
On Monday, Oct. 30, Herbosa issued a statement advising the public to refrain from bringing small children to cemeteries to prevent injuries and diseases caused by overcrowding.
“I am advising parents and caregivers not to bring small children to cemeteries as overcrowding and intense heat and sudden unexpected downpour may cause diseases to small children,” Herbosa warned.
He added that although COVID-19 is plateauing, the threat of the disease is still present.
There are still sporadic cases and increasing cases in some regions. Also, small children have low resistance against infections.
The Health chief also cautioned against patronizing ambulant vendors inside and outside of the cemeteries selling green mangoes, sandwiches, fruit juices, and other similar food stuff.
He explained that these foods may be contaminated by unsafe water and other elements of the environment which may compromise the health and safety of consumers.
The DOH advises people going to cemeteries to plan their visit, bring their own water and food to ensure their safety and prevent diseases.
Also, refrain from bringing salads and other food which may easily spoil due to heat.
“We can all prevent contracting diseases when visiting our dearly departed loved ones. Let us be responsible with our actions and make our visit solemn,” Herbosa said./PN
