Candidates for the May 2022 elections and the public are told to refrain from having physical interactions such as handshakes and hugs during campaign sorties as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) persists.

Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles reminded the election candidates and their supporters to strictly observe the minimum health standards set by the government as the campaign season in the country officially began Tuesday, Feb. 8.

"Ang eleksyon sa Pilipinas, sabi nga nila, ay tila isang napakahabang okasyon. Kaya naman panawagan natin sa mga kandidato, sa kanilang mga taga suporta, at sa ating mga kababayan, panatilihing sumusunod pa rin tayo sa minimum public health standards (Elections in the Philippines, they say, is like a long occasion. So, we are calling on the candidates, their supporters, and the public to continuously observe the minimum public health standards)," Nograles said in a press briefing.

"Dagdag na paalala rin sa mga kandidato at kanilang taga-suporta, bawal po sa 2022 campaigning ang pakikipagkamay, ang pagyakap, ang pag beso-beso o anumang physical contact ng kandidato at publiko (Additional reminder to the candidates and their supporters, doing handshakes, hugs, and beso-beso, or any physical contact are not allowed)," he added.

The Cabinet Secretary further said that taking of selfies close to the candidates and giving away food and drinks in campaign events are also prohibited.

Nograles reiterated that coronavirus pandemic is still here, thus the public should not let their guard down while joining this "long occasion."

"Let's keep our elections fair, orderly, peaceful, and safe. Sundin lang po natin lahat ng guidelines pagdating sa (Let's follow all the) minimum public health standards at siyempre yung mga guidelines din ng (and of course, the guidelines of the) Comelec, let's follow and obey all the rules, regulations, and laws of the land," he said.