The Department of Health announced Wednesday that Christmas caroling would be allowed this year provided it is outdoors, and carolers should wear face masks and face shields.
“Sa pangangaroling po kailangan lang tandaan na outdoors dapat, nandyan ‘yung pagsoot ng face mask atsaka face shield,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an interview on Unang Balita.
(When caroling, we need to remember that it’s outdoors, so carolers should wear face masks and face shields.)
The DOH official reiterated that people expel more respiratory droplets when singing and increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Last year, the local government banned Christmas caroling to prevent an increase in cases.
Private companies are discouraged from holding the traditional Christmas activities, as only up to 10 people could attend gatherings under the general community quarantine (GCQ).
The government has also urged the public to spend Christmas with family members only.
In 2021, the Department of Health also discouraged the public from using torotot or the traditional yuletide revelry horn to prepare for Christmas and New Year celebrations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Maliban sa paputok, iwasan din natin ang mga paggamit ng mga torotot at mga katulad nito upang mapigilan natin ang posibleng pagkakahawa sa COVID-19 at iba pang sakit,” Duque said.
DOH allows Christmas caroling this year
(Apart from firecrackers, we should also avoid using torotots and the like to prevent possible infection with COVID-19 and other diseases.)
“Humanap tayo ng ibang alternatibo sa paputok gaya ng mga tambol, busina o ‘di kaya pagpalakpak,” he added.
(Let’s look for other fireworks alternatives such as drums, horns, or applause.)
According to DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, these instruments could cause a transfer of saliva.
“So ‘yung mga pito (whistle), ‘yung mga torotot, bawal po ngayon ‘yan. Kailangan naka-mask pa rin at nagsosocial distancing,” she added.
(So the whistles, the torotots, that is forbidden now. Everyone should wear masks and practice and social distancing.)
Meanwhile, the SWS September 27-30, 2021 National Survey found that 35% of adult Filipinos, or an estimated 25.0 million, received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, consisting of 25% (est. 17.7 million) already done with their second dose and 10% (est. 7.3 million) done with their first dose.
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