Filipinos were told to “keep their guards up” against Covid-19 and its more transmissible and highly immune evasive subvariants as holidays draw closer.
Vice President 3 of Philippine Federation of Professionals Association Dr. Benito Atienza reminded the public to celebrate the holidays while adhering to Covid-19 health protocols.
“Sundin pa rin natin ang pagsusuot ng mask, physical distancing, at paghuhugas ng kamay upang maiwasan hindi lamang ang Covid-19 pati na rin ang ibang sakit lalo na’t marami ang may influenza, trangkaso, at pneumonia ngayon (Let us still follow the wearing of masks, observance of physical distancing, and handwashing to prevent not only Covid-19 but also other diseases, especially since many people have influenza, flu, and pneumonia during this time of the year),” said Atienza in a Laging Handa public briefing on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
Similar to the holiday celebrations in 2021, Atienza said upcoming gatherings must be held in open areas. Food, according to the expert, must also be served individually to avoid crowding that may lead to the resurgence of Covid-19 infections.
Meanwhile, Atienza underscored that children, especially those four years of age and below, must not be brought in gatherings considering that they have yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Aside from adhering to health protocols, the expert strongly advised the public to get boosted against Covid-19, reiterating that two doses are not enough to protect oneself from the severe form of the disease.