ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 6 encouraged the public to stay home this “long weekend”, with Monday (Aug. 30) being the National Heroes Day.
Director Adriano Suba-an of DOH-6 said with the established local cases of the more contagious Delta variant of the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Western Visayas, it’s best not to go outdoors.
“If it is necessary to go out for essential and important reasons, it is best to avoid crowded places and enclosed settings,” said Suba-an.
Suba-an also reminded the public against holding large family and social gatherings, going to the mall and other unnecessary travel to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
Suba-an said social events that gather people from other places and different households increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission, especially to the unvaccinated.
Instead of face-to-face gatherings, the public may opt to use online platforms such as social media applications and e-commerce sites.
Adherence to the minimum public health standards (MPHS) such as wearing facemask and face shield, frequent hand washing and sanitizing, physical distancing, and ensuring that there is good air circulation when indoors should be continued.
Eligible priority groups should also avail themselves of COVID-19 vaccination which “provides another layer of protection” from acquiring severe COVID-19 disease that may result to hospitalization or death.
The health department reiterated that all COVID-19 vaccines available, regardless of brand, have been proven safe and effective against COVID-19./PN
