BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Health yesterday issued reminders to the public to ensure a safe and healthy celebration of the yuletide season, amid threats of Covid-19 transmission, that it said remains “high”.
DOH regional director Marlyn Convocar, in a statement she issued, encouraged families and communities to avoid the use of firecrackers, and advised the public to look for things that can substitute the loud noises that fireworks make, such as car horns, banging pots and pans at home, or turning up the stereo to play music.
Convocar also advised parents and guardians to carefully choose the toys and gifts that are safe to children, environment-friendly and also safe from possible choking hazards and injuries.
On food preparations, it is essential that heads of households serve healthy food for holidays, by avoiding salty, fatty and too sweet, while eating in moderation should be the byword, she added.
With the threat of Covid transmission still high, the DOH regional office also recommended getting together and celebrating exclusively with household members only, and virtual gathering with those not residing in the same house, as infections are made through close contact and prolonged exposure. The DOH also recommended risk-mitigating factors for the public to adhere to during the holidays, such as limiting the number of people in social gathering and activities, avoiding travel and opting for activities with only short duration of contacts, practicing BIDA (Bawal walang mask, I-sanitize ang mga kamay, Dumistansya na isang metro and Alamin ang totoong impormasyon), avoiding contact on high-touch surfaces, ensuring proper ventilation in venues, and increasing physical and mental resilience.*
