MANILA – Hinimok ng Department of Health (DOH) ang publiko na dumalo na lang ng online masses ngayong nagsimula na ang panahon ng tradisyunal na Simbang Gabi.
“As much as possible, reduce contact rate or avoid exposure to the virus by attending online masses instead of in-person gathering,” ayon sa health advisory ng ahensya.
Aminado ang DOH na nakikita nilang may downtrend o bumababa ang bilang ng COVID-19 cases, pero mahalaga pa rin umanong sundin ng publiko ang minimum health standards lalo na’t maituturing na “superspreader event” ang Simbang Gabi.
“We cannot overemphasize the need to follow the minimum health protocols at all times. Gatherings (like Simbang Gabi) can easily become superspreader events.”
Bukod sa mungkahi na pagdalo sa online masses, inirerekomenda ng Health department na obserbahan ng publiko ang panuntunan na nakahanay sa “Apat Dapat” advisory ng Health Professionals Alliance against COVID-19 (HPAAC).
Katulad ng pagsunod sa physical distancing na isang metro; pagsusuot ng face mask at face shield; limitadong oras ng aktibidad na may close contact; at angkop na ventilation o daluyan ng hangin sa lugar ng pagtitipon.
READ: DOH's Health Advisory on the observance of "Simbang Gabi" that will begin tomorrow. It encourages the public to attend online masses. Those who will physically attend are advised to comply with minim health standards. | @BomboRadyoNews pic.twitter.com/mmQyzHQT9F
— Christian Yosores (@chrisyosores) December 15, 2020
“Avoid high risk activities such as those conducted in enclosed spaces or areas with poor ventilation, activities like singing or shouting, and other forms that might involve physical contact.”
Batay sa inamyendahang Omnibus Guidelines ng Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, pwede na ang religious gatherings. Naka-depende lang sa antas ng community quarantine ng lugar ang papayagang dami ng tao.
- MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine): not more than 5 persons
- GCQ (general community quarantine): not more than 30% of the seating capacity
- MGCQ (modified general community quarantine): not more than 50% of the seating capacity
Batid ng ahensya na posibleng magkaroon ng “post-holiday surge” o pagsipa sa bilang ng COVID-19 cases pagkatapos ng Bagong Taon, kaya naman umaapela sila sa publiko na ikonsidera na lang ang mga alternatibo sa Simbang Gabi.
“It is best to avoid events that could overwhelm our health system and capacity to respond as a whole.”
Nilinaw ng DOH na hindi nila ipinagbabawal ang holiday celebrations, pero kakambal daw ng pagdiriwang ang responsibilidad ng bawat isa laban sa COVID-19.
