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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH reminds public to avoid jokes on health, death on April Fool's Day

DOH reminds public to avoid jokes on health, death on April Fool's Day

Published Mar 31, 2024 12:41 pm

The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday, March 31, reminded the public to “be kind” on April Fool’s Day by keeping jokes light and steering clear of health and death topics.

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“First, do no harm,” DOH said in a statement released by Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Assistant Secretary and Deputy Spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo. “Always be kind to each other,” DOH added.

While the Health Department acknowledged that in many cultures, April 1st, often called “April Fool's Day” is a day when there is an outbreak of pranks or jokes, the agency reminded that April Fool’s Day humor should respect sensitivities.

“The DOH urges all would-be pranksters to please avoid jokes related to illness, disease, and other physical or mental conditions; most especially about the loss of life,” DOH said. “Doing so adds to stigma we want less of,” the agency added.

DOH added that April Fool’s Day humor could be “considerate and wholesome fun.” 

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