 |
| A belen (Nativity) display in Quezon City (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler) |
MANILA – Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Tuesday reminded the
public to refrain from celebrating Christmas and New Year with activities that
have higher risks of Covid-19 transmission, including karaoke singing which is
a usual Filipino activity during celebrations.
He urged Filipinos to celebrate Christmas meaningfully by spending more
time with their families.
“For a change, let us opt to have a solemn celebration with joyful
Christmas songs from our favorite artists played on radios or online music
platforms,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.
"Kung tayo ay nagsasalita, meron pa tayong nae-emit na respiratory
droplets. Mas marami ito kung tayo ay kumakanta o sumisigaw kaya po
inirerekomenda namin na iwasan muna ang pagka-karaoke (When we talk, we emit
respiratory droplets. A lot more is emitted when we are singing or shouting
that's why we recommend refraining from karaoke singing). According to a recent
study published in the Aerosol Science and Technology Journal, loud singing
increases viral particle spread by 448 percent compared to normal talking,”
Duque said.
Duque also called on local government chiefs to strictly enforce and
implement the minimum public health standards in their localities such as
wearing face masks and shields, regular handwashing, and observing one-meter
physical distance to avoid contracting or transferring the virus.
Despite seeing a continued downtrend of new Covid-19 cases, Duque
reminded the public to remain vigilant, especially during the holidays.
“Hinihiling ko po sa inyong lahat na iwasan muna natin ngayong Kapaskuhan
ang mga karaoke parties at mga malalaking salu-salo para tuluyang makaiwas sa
virus at mapigilan ang lalong pagkalat nito. Munting sakripisyo lang po ito
para sa kaligtasan natin sa pagdiriwang ngayong Pasko (I ask everyone to
refrain from karaoke singing this Christmas, as well as big gatherings so that
we can curb the spread of the virus. A little sacrifice for our safety this
holiday season),” Duque said. (DOH PR)
No comments:
Post a Comment