The Department of Health (DOH) urges the public to just shop online for the gifts they will give to their loved ones during the holidays to avoid COVID-19 transmission.
According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, DOH understands the public’s excitement about Christmas shopping and celebrating holiday traditions. However, a possible surge of infections could occur as people crowd in shopping malls and commercial districts.
“Let us remember that the virus is still here. Even if you are wearing your mask and face shield but would go to a crowded place, you could still get infected. The risk is there, and it is very high,” Vergeire said.
DOH issued the reminder after network news showed reports of shoppers crowding the streets of Divisoria in Manila during the weekend. Vergeire urged the public to find alternative ways to enjoy the holidays.
“We advise everyone to opt for online activities such as online Masses, make video calls with friends and relatives, and if possible just shop online. In these ways, we reduce the possibility or chance of us being infected or infecting others with COVID-19,” she said.
As of November 23, 2020, the Department of Health recorded 1,799 additional cases of COVID-19. Meanwhile, 135 were recovered, and 50 died.
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DOH urges holiday online shopping amid pandemic
Of the total number of cases recorded in the country, 6.1% (25,837) were active cases, 91.9% (386,604) were cured, and 1.94% (8,173) died.
For the first time since June, the daily positivity rate (the number of people who tested positive for the virus) decreased to below 5 percent. Of the 19,178 tests done on Monday noon, 853 came back positive, or a positivity rate of 4.4 percent.
Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) set a benchmark positivity rate of less than 5 percent.
Meanwhile, in response to Vice President Leni Robredo’s recommendation to name vaccine recipients, Vergeire said the DOH couldn’t do that just as the agency is still finalizing the procurement plan.
“Until we can have a final list of the vaccines that we are going to procure, we can’t identify yet who are those who will be vaccinated,” she said.