The Department of Health (DOH) encourages the public to conduct their parties or gatherings this Christmas season in open spaces to minimize the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

“The best possible way for us to be able to prevent transmission of this illness: unang-una, kung maari sana gawin natin ang mga parties na ito sa isang open space (is first, if we could do these parties in an open space),” said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

If the party will be held indoors, the public should ensure proper ventilation in the venue.

“Kung tayo naman ay magdaraos sa isang kulob na lugar, buksan nalang natin yung ating mga bintana at saka pintuan para may hangin pa rin, para mag-circulate yung air doon sa room (If we are going to hold a gathering in an enclosed space, let's just open our windows and doors so that the air can circulate properly),” she said.

Vergeire said that those with symptoms should not attend the gatherings to avoid possible transmission of the coronavirus.

It is also best that attendees are vaccinated against Covid-19, said Vergeire.

“Ang pinakaimportante, mas kumpiyansa tayo na umatend ng ating party kung bakunado (The most important thing is that we are more confident to attend the party if we are vaccinated),” she said.

“Magpabakuna na tayo (Let's get vaccinated) because this gives you additional protection and this gives you better protection against the virus,” she added.

Vergeire reminded the public that they can still contract Covid-19 despite the relaxed restrictions.

“Sa darating na Kapaskuhan, ayaw limitahan ng ating gobyerno naman na mag-party tayo kasi allowed naman--Alert level 1 tayo most of the areas in the country. Kaya lang, kailangan natin isipin na maari pa rin tayong makakuha ng sakit, (During the Christmas season, our government does not want to limit the partying because it is allowed. And most areas in the country are under Alert Level 1. However, we should keep in mind that we can still get sick),” she said.