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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH recommends online activities on Christmas to avoid spread COVID-19

DOH recommends online activities on Christmas to avoid spread COVID-19

Published Dec 22, 2020 01:49 pm

The Department of Health (DOH) has recommended on Monday to do online activities on Christmas to limit social gathering and avoid spread of COVID-19 among the elderly.

(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

“Bagama’t nakasanayan na ng karamihan na magtipon sa tuwing sasapit ang kapaskuhan at bistahin sina lolo at lola, ngayong panahon ng pandemya ay atin munang isaalang-alang ang kanilang kapakanan (Although most people are accustomed to social gathering and visiting their grandparents during the holidays, however, in this time of pandemic, let us first consider their welfare), the department said in an advisory.
 
The DOH urged the public to do online activities, such as video calls, to spend this holiday season with their relatives in distant places.
 
The department said instead of performing “pagmamano,” a Filipino gesture as a sign of respect and greeting the seniors, a respectful bow and waving of hands can be done to avoid physical contact.
 
“Tandaan natin na ang mga nakatatanda, lalo na ang may mga iba pang sakit, ay mas malapit sa peligrong dala ng COVID-19. Mas malaki ang posibilidad na sila ay makaranas ng malubhang pagkakasakit (Let us remember that the elderly, especially those with other diseases, are closer to the risk of COVID-19. It is more likely that they will experience serious illness),” the department underscored.
 
Under the present Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) guidelines in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas, a person below 15 years old and those above 65 years old, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women are required to remain in their residences at all times, except when obtaining essential goods and services.
 
The DOH underscored that as much as possible the younger members of the family should leave their residences instead of the elders to buy for necessities.
 
“Tayo ay patuloy pa ring sumunod sa minimum public health standards at maging BIDA sa pagdiriwang ngayong kapaskuhan (We still continue to adhere to minimum public health standards and be a star in this holiday season),” it added.
 

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