Even if coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions slowly ease up in the country, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Thursday, Oct. 28, reminded the public to stay safe and vigilant especially in this season of “Undas.”
PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard Gordon reminded everyone not to be complacent and continue to follow all protocols.
“Kailangan patuloy tayong mag ingat lagi kahit na bakunado ka na upang mas maging protektado ang ating sarili, ang ating pamilya, at ang ating komunidad kontra COVID-19 (We must continue to be vigilant even after you have been vaccinated to better protect ourselves, our families, and our community against COVID-19,) Gordon emphasized.
With the country’s observance of All Saint’s Day and All Souls Day or “Undas” beginning as early as Oct. 31, PRC advised the public to continue following the Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) policies of the government most especially if one is not fully vaccinated yet.
“Even if there is now an ease in restrictions, it would still be best to stay at home if possible this Undas especially if one is not vaccinated to avoid the large number of people who wish to spend the long weekend by visiting their loved ones’ graves in cemeteries or traveling out of town for a holiday,” Gordon said.
Gordon explained that it is important to be “mindful of this pandemic to keep ourselves safe.”
He also reminded the public that especially when they are out traveling or in a gathering, to always take note of hand hygiene, proper wearing of face masks, regularly washing and/or disinfecting hands especially before and after eating and using the toilet, observe physical distancing, and the maintenance of respiratory etiquette.
At the same time, Gordon said that it is a “must to arm yourself with information by always keeping yourself updated.”
“Last but not least, it is very important to always be transparent,” he said, noting how honesty is crucial to ensure the safety of everyone.
“Mahalagang magsalita ng maayos sa iyong mga kasama lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya upang maayos na maipatupad ang lahat ng mga patakaran (It's important to communicate with others especially during a pandemic so that all the rules can be properly enforced),” he added.