MANILA – With the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) still present, the Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to defer domestic travel and limit their celebration among immediate family members.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday encouraged Filipinos to keep holiday celebrations simple. Overseas Filipinos may join in through online platforms.
“‘Yung lahat pong ito ay dapat mataas po sa ating kamalayan para lumayo po tayo sa peligro at maging ligtas po ang pagdiriwang ng ating Pasko at Bagong Taon. ‘Wag po tayong pasaway dahil may kasabihan [na] nasa bandang huli po ang pagsisisi,” Duque said in a virtual presser.
Duque have once again reiterated to observe COVID-19 safety precautions especially during the holiday season, which traditionally involves massive shopping crowds and parties left and right.
As Filipinos emerge from a long lockdown and back into public places, some may have forgotten the minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks and face shields and observing physical distancing, he added.
“Ito po ay napaka-mahalagang mga paalala at abiso. ‘Wag po nating isantabi o balewalain ito, gawin na po natin itong bahagi ng ating buhay,” Duque said./PN
