The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday warned the public anew against participating in mass gatherings, such as Christmas parties, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The public received a text blast from the National Telecommunications Commission, advising how Christmas parties should be conducted amid the pandemic.
The text blast stated: “DICT, DOH, HPAAC: May Christmas Party? Buksan ang bintana at electric fan. Mas ligtas kung outdoor ang Venue. Maligayang Pasko. Kaya natin to!"
“We all know that these Christmas parties might be a cause for a superspreader event, and we do not want that to happen, because it might cause further infections in the community,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
Vergeire said that the DOH did not approve the said text message, adding that they have yet to release guidelines for conducting Christmas parties.
“We are trying to investigate kung saan galing at sino ang nag umpisang maglabas nito,” said the Health official.
“ DOH has not officially released this message yet because we wanted to further study it because it might cause confusion to our public,” she added.
Vergeire said that they are recommending alternative activities during this holiday season. These include attending Simbang gabi virtually and shop online.