To prevent COVID-19 transmission, PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas first prohibits singles, couples, siblings, and friends from using PDAs or public displays of affection and holding hands and shaking hands in public.
Sinas said that holding hands or PDAs has been banned for a long time, but he said people can’t stop them, especially when they are together at home so he reminded again that the violator will be apprehended.
Due to the sudden rise of COVID-19 cases, the government will once again intensify public surveillance.
In fact, there are areas in Metro Manila that are subject to special concern and granular lockdowns.
According to the data, new COVID-19 cases were recorded for four consecutive days at the 3,000 level despite the start of the government’s massive immunization program on March 1.
An expert said Wednesday that a “pandemic fatigue” has been driving the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.
PNP prohibits public display of affection or PDA
“Ang main driver talaga nito sa ngayon [ay] ‘yung tinawag na ‘pandemic fatigue’ dahil medyo nagre-relax talaga ‘yung mga tao dahil nakikita nila, ‘Ay well, everyone’s out naman. Okay naman pala,’” Salvana said in an interview on Unang Balita.
“‘Yung virus hindi naman nagre-relax ‘yun eh, kaya tuloy-tuloy po ‘yung nangyayaring transmission,” he added.
According to PublicHealth, pandemic fatigue “can be experienced differently for everyone but often presents itself as feeling restless, irritable, lacking motivation, and difficulty concentrating on tasks. You may even notice yourself withdrawing from socializing with others or physical symptoms such as changes in eating and sleep habits.”
“Pandemic fatigue may be experienced more by youth and young adults whose social circles are not as clearly defined yet and socializing to build friendship networks and romantic relationships are an important focus in this stage of their life,” it added.
Salvana also emphasized that the new coronavirus variants that were recently detected in the Philippines contributed to the COVID-19 surge.