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'Super-spreader events': DOH reiterates ban on parties during pandemic
'Super-spreader events': DOH reiterates ban on parties during pandemic
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, June 7, has reminded the public that parties and other forms of mass gatherings are prohibited amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reminded local government units (LGUs) and the public that parties and other mass gatherings are banned as the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains.
“Tayo rin po ay nakiki-usap sa ating mga local government units at sa ating publiko na ipinagbabawal na rin po ang pagtitipon gaya ng mga parties na maaaring maging source ng super-spreader events (We are appealing to the local government units and to the public that gatherings such as parties are now prohibited for these can be a source of a super spreader events),” Vergeire said in a media forum.
The health official said key government agencies recently signed a joint memorandum circular on guidelines governing violators of health and safety ordinances, quarantine-related violations, and other related violations during public health emergencies.
Under the memo, Vergeire said LGUs were called to further intensify their implementation of minimum public health standards within their jurisdiction—from prohibiting mass gatherings to strict observance to health and safety protocols as well as curfew hours.
“We urge the public to stay home and go out only when needed to prevent the transmission of COVID-19,” she said.
“Para sa kaligtasan ng lahat, kinakailangan ang ating walang mintis na pagsunod sa minimum public health standards upang maiwasan natin ng pagkakaroon ng panibagong surge (For everyone’s safety, we must continue following the minimum public health standards so that we can prevent another surge),” she added.
Vergeire noted that the recent surge in cases indicated that the public should not be complacent in adhering with the health and safety protocols.
“Alam natin ang bisa nito at alam natin na nananatili ito bilang pangunahing depensa natin laban sa pagkalat ng COVID-19 sa ating bansa (We know its effectiveness and we know that it remains our primary defense against the spread of COVID-19 in our country),” she said.