The Department of Health (DOH) encouraged the public to stay at home during the Holy Week to minimize their risk of being infected with the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire made the statement amid the rapid increase of new COVID-19 cases nationwide.
"Alam ko po at naiintindihan ko po ang ating religious activities during the Holy Week. Pero sana, tayo pong lahat magsama-sama at magtulong-tulong na magdasal muna po tayo sa bahay, magkaroon ng time also with family para maiwasan natin ang further infection among our household in the community (I know and I understand our religious activities during the Holy Week. But hopefully, we will all come together and help each other---- that for the meantime, we can pray and have time also with our respective families at home so that we can prevent further infection among our household in the community)," said Vergeire on Friday, March 26.
This year’s Holy Week will begin on Sunday, March 28 and ends on Saturday, April 3. Easter is on Sunday, April 4.
The World Health Organization (WHO)-Philippines said that staying at home during this annual observance is “the best sacrifice you can do this Holy Week.”
“It is a Filipino tradition to spend the Holy Week with our families. This is how we show our love and pass on family values to the next generation. COVID-19 is present in many of our communities so we must celebrate the Holy Week safely and stay at home,” the WHO-Philippines said.
“Be safe and a role model when having family dinners and get-togethers, that are limited to occupants in your homes,” it added.
The WHO-Philippines also reminded other safety precautions.
“Ensure that you and your loved ones wear a mask properly, maintain at least one-meter distance, frequently wash hands, and open windows and doors to improve air circulation whenever possible,” it said.