DILG, DOH, DOT say it's safe to organize, attend, public gatherings
By Hanah Tabios
Three government agencies leading the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country assured the public that it is still safe to organize and attend public events as long as all precautionary measures recommended by the health department are observed.
This was announced in the joint statement released Tuesday (Feb. 18) and signed by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Ano.
The statement clarifies an earlier advisory urging the public to avoid attending and organizing crowd gathering events, and recommending the cancellation of big events such as concerts.
DOT tweeted from their official account (@TourismPHL the following: “The DOH, DILG, and DOT announced, in a joint statement, that it is safe to organize and attend public gatherings, meetings, and festivals as long as precautionary measures identified by the DOH are observed.”
In the statement, the agencies said the government has put precautionary measures in place to contain the spread of COVID-19. They reminded the public to practice personal hygiene by washing hands regularly, and to seek medical attention in case of flu-like symptoms.
They added: “The guidelines in handling guests in tourism enterprises during this global emergency are being implemented in hotels and resorts around the country even before the temporary travel ban, and facilities are equipped with infrared thermometers and more hand sanitizers.”
The cabinet secretaries said that public safety, especially for tourists and those who work in the tourism sector, remains the government’s top priority.