ILOILO – Before the coronavirus disease pandemic struck, torotot (party horns) were a safe noise-making alternative to dangerous firecrackers when welcoming the New Year. Not anymore.
Now, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) is discouraging torotot’s use. Blowing it could spread SARS-CoV-2, an airborne virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“We appeal to the public to do away with torotot to prevent COVID-19 transmission,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, PHO chief.
Health undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire issued a similar appeal.
“Ating iwasan muna ang paggamit ng tororot, pito o mga laruan na may paggamit ng bibig upang maiwasan ang pagkakahawahan. Mas masaya po ang pagsalubong ng bagong taon pag ligtas at malusog,” said Vergeire.
According to Quiñon, COVID-19 cases in Iloilo were steadily dropping and this trend should be sustained. Blowing toy trumpets, especially by persons who may not know they have coronavirus, may result in a spike in infections.
As of Dec. 29, the province’s active COVID-19 cases stood at 391.
People are encouraged to use other noise-making alternatives such as recycled maracas using empty juice cans, shakers from used plastic bottles with pebbles, even common kitchen utensils such as pots and pot lids.
But if party horn is the preferred contraption, Quiñon said, each one must have a torotot for his or her exclusive use.
“And make sure to disinfect the torotot after use,” stressed Quiñon.
Celebrating the New Year, however, should go beyond just making loud noise, she said. It is better marked with family members gathering safely together in prayer and thanksgiving.
But there should be no mass gatherings, according to Quiñon. Stay away from crowded areas, she said, always wear facemask and observe physical distancing.
The PHO issued the reminder amid rising concerns over the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, which is said to be more transmissible than the currently dominant Delta variant that has caused recent spikes in COVID-19 cases around the world./PN
