The Department of Health re-emphasized its earlier reminder to avoid in-person gatherings and different type of parties as this increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
The DOH caution come as the Christmas holiday approaches and quarantine restrictions lighten in different parts of the country.
In DOH’s weekly kapihan with the media, DOH revisited specific risk factors that contribute to the spread of the disease and called on the public to continue complying with the standard health protocols that protect them from infection.
“Let us limit the number of people in social gatherings and activities, preferably to people within the same household. Avoid activities that require travel to areas with higher quarantine classification and keep activities as short as possible,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque said.
In order to begin economic recovery, the government has recently begun allowing certain businesses and establishments to resume operations. Minors are also now allowed to engage in certain activities outside their houses which can be related to schoolwork, play time, and shopping but preferably with parental oversight.
What concerns the DOH is the crowding that happens in events attended by numerous people especially during the holiday season. The more these individuals interact and the longer the interaction lasts, the higher their risk of contracting COVID-19.
Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult to maintain physical distancing of one-meter are considered high risk, the health secretary stressed.
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