Online Christmas Gatherings, DOH Proposes

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health (DOH) in an advisory urges Filipinos to celebrate Christmas virtually.

DOH advises the public to hold virtual Christmas activities as the Health Department observed a spike in the number of new cases of COVID-19 during the past few days leading to Christmas.

Christmas activities such as parties, Christmas caroling, and gatherings should be observed virtually, according to the advisory.

No Karaokes

Earlier this month, karaoke was banned due to its high risk of spreading COVID-19 based on a studies, DOH said.

“Ayon sa pag aaral, mas marami ang na eemit na droplets ng isang tao kung siya ay kumakanta o sumisigaw. Kaya’t mas mataas ang posibilidad na magkahawaan ang mga dumalo sa ganitong pagsasama sama (studies show that more droplets are being emitted by a person while he/she is singing or shouting. This means that the possibility to contract the virus is much higher during this type of gatherings),” the advisory read.

Singing, shouting, passing the microphone could be conducive to spreading the virus among other party-goers.

According to DOH, health and safety is the best gift one can give to their love ones during this pandemic. Christmas and other celebrations can still be celebrated safely. (ASC)