The low number of Covid-19 cases being recorded in the past few weeks does not mean the public can now go full blast in their merrymaking during the holidays.
Department of Health-Cordillera Assistant Director Amelita Pangilinan has appealed to communities in the region to avoid mass gatherings if possible in celebrating Christmas and New Year because the Covid-19 remains and there is the threat posed by the Omicron variant, which had already been detected in the country.
“Kung pwede huwag muna tayong mag-mass gathering, and if there is really a need, dapat ma-observe pa rin ang physical distancing,” Pangilinan said.
Aside from the minimum public health standards, she reminded people to maintain good air flow in the area where they are gathered by opening the windows and other ways of keeping proper ventilation, as transmission happens mostly at homes and workplaces.
“Adherence to the minimum public health standards is key in slowing down the spread of Covid-19 so we must not stop now but instead continue practicing these public health measures to keep transmission low,” she said.
For this season where there would be lots of food and merrymaking when people gather to bond and celebrate, Pangilinan also reminded everyone to observe healthy lifestyle and diet, and drink in moderation.
For those with health conditions, she advised not to forget to take maintenance medicines for hypertension and diabetes to avoid blood pressure shooting up that may lead to stroke or heart attack.
For the cold weather, she reminded the public dress warm, hydrate, and eat healthy food. – Hanna C. Lacsamana
