MANILA – The Philippine health department is gearing up for a possible surge in coronavirus cases in the country as Christmas season approaches.
Secretary Francisco Duque III said the Department of Health will create a contingency plan that will enable health authorities and other officials to address in case there will be a surge of cases.
“Nais ko pong paalalahanan ang lahat na habang ang bilang ng kaso ay patuloy na pababa, hindi ito dapat maging dahilan upang tayo’y maging mas maluwag o complacent,” Duque said during President Rodrigo Duterte’s public address on Monday.
The DOH, Duque added, will implement Department Circular 2020-0355, or the Reiteration of the Minimum Public Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation during the holidays.
The circular reminds the public to continue observing anti-coronavirus policies, such as physical distancing, wearing of face masks and face shields and frequent handwashing.
Holiday activities such as caroling, shopping in crowded markets and shopping centers, indoor gathering with large crowds, riding in stuffed public transportation vehicles, and others that involve physical contact are discouraged.
“Pinaalahanan ng DOH na naririto pa rin ang banta ng COVID-19. Kung kaya po nararapat ang ibayong pag-ingat upang panatilihin ang kalusugan at kaligtasan natin at ng ating mga mahal sa buhay,” Duque said./PN
