The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public that the Covid-19 virus remains a threat during the Christmas season even if the country is slowly transitioning toward normalcy.
“Gusto lang natin magpaalala sa ating mga kababayan lalo at padating na po ang Kapaskuhan at dito na tayo nagkakaroon ng mga parties, nagkakaroon ng mga group activities, company outings because of the celebration of Christmas, sana po lagi natin tatandaan na ang virus ay kasama pa din natin (We just want to remind our citizens especially since Christmas is coming and usually we will be having parties, group activities, company outings because of the celebration of Christmas. I hope we always remember that the virus still remains),” said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a recent press briefing.
“Marami pa din po ang nagkakasakit, marami pa rin pong vulnerable sa atin lalong lalo na ang mga nakakatanda (Many people are still getting sick. Many of us are still vulnerable, especially the elderly),” she added.
Vergeire still emphasized the importance of following the minimum public health standards, especially for private establishments or companies that are planning to conduct Christmas gatherings in the coming months.
“Tayo po sana ay mag doble ng pagiingat. Lagi po natin titingnan kung ang sitwasyon ay nararapat para tayo ay magkaroon ng mga ganitong activities (Let's be doubly careful. Always assess if the situation is appropriate if you are planning to have these kinds of activities),” she said.
“Always remember the safety protocols na meron tayo para po hindi na dumami pa ang magkakasakit ngayon Paskong darating (that we have in order to avoid further transmission this coming Christmas),” she added.
Vergeire encouraged companies to require only fully vaccinated individuals if they are planning to hold Christmas gatherings.
“Hopefully, our establishments and companies will implement na kailangan bakunado yung mga kasama nila, especially kung nasa loob sila ng establishments (that their employees must be vaccinated, especially if their activities will be held inside establishments),” said Vergeire.
“Kapag closed, crowded, and nandoon ang (If the venue is closed, crowded, and there is a) risk for close interaction with people, masks should always be worn,” she added.