Christmas is traditionally the time for gift hunting in malls or shopping centers.
In spite of the Covid-19 threat, however, people still trooped to Divisoria and Baclaran over the weekend.
This prompted the Department of Health (DOH) to remind the public of the issuance of Department Circular (DC) 2020-0355 or the Reiteration of the “Minimum Public Health Standards for Covid-19 Mitigation.” The circular aims to provide guidance on how to observe minimum public health standards during the holidays and to ensure the health and safety of everyone participating in celebrations and activities.
The DOH noted that the holidays in the Philippines usually mean reunions with friends and relatives, hosting and attending large in-person gatherings, and even traveling.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic this year, it is not advisable to conduct these activities as there is a much higher risk of contracting the virus under such situations.
Risk mitigation measures
In preparation for the holiday season, the DOH has provided risk-mitigation measures for the public to adhere to during the holiday season such as:
1. Limiting the number of people in social gatherings and activities;
2. Avoiding activities that may include traveling;
3. Opting for activities with only a short duration of contact;
4. Practicing BIDA (B-bawal walang mask, I-i-sanitize ang mga kamay, D-dumistansya ng isang metro, A-alamin ang totoong impormasyon).
5. Avoiding contact of high-touch surfaces;
6. Ensuring proper ventilation in venues; and
7. Increasing physical and mental resilience.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire also reminded the public of the underlying risks of exposing oneself to overcrowded places.
“Exploring congested areas, close-contact settings, and confined places are the three risk factors that pose a high risk of Covid-19 transmission,” Vergeire said
The threat of the virus, she added, is even higher when these factors overlap. Examples of the three risk factors include “attending large family, social, or religious gatherings, in-person shopping in malls and bazaars, and indoor gatherings of a large group of people that involves singing, shouting and dancing.”
Virtual activities
Vergeire urged the public to consider modifying their Christmas activities or resort to virtual activities to mitigate the spread of the virus.
To celebrate Christmas and New year, the DOH recommends exclusive get togethers of household members and virtual gatherings with those who do not reside in the same house as most infections are made through close contact and prolonged exposure.
Vergeire said that even if a person is wearing both a face mask and face shield, the possibility of being infected is still high if a person frequents crowded places.
“The risk is there and it’s very high,” she stressed.
She acknowledged though that while the holiday spirit might be dampened by these restrictions, Vergeire emphasized that enjoying the remaining days of the year Covid-free would be the greatest blessing.
“Reduce your risk of contracting Covid-19 during the holiday season by strictly complying with the minimum public health standards in all your activities,” she said.