No ban on public gatherings, but observe anti-COVID-19 measures – DILG

MANILA, Philippines — Public gatherings, meetings and festivals are not banned and can still be held despite the threat of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), although precautionary measures must be observed, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) pointed out on Monday.

The DILG said the setup was agreed upon following  a meeting of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, which included representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Tourism (DOT).

The DOH earlier advised the public to avoid attending concerts and participating in events with large crowds amid the COVID-19 threat.

READ: DOH advises public against attending concerts, large events amid nCoV threat

“While they may continue with public gatherings at their discretion, we wish to remind the general public to wash your hands regularly, and to seek medical attention if signs of cough, colds, sore throat and fever appear,” DILG spokesman Jonathan Malaya said in a statement.

Local government units (LGUs) have been ordered to strictly implement all guidelines which includes monitoring all participants with infrared thermometers, providing hand sanitizers or 70% isopropyl alcohol, requiring the of use surgical face masks, and providing wastebaskets for the proper disposal of all types of wastes.

Malaya added that LGUs should discourage individuals with coughs colds, sore throat and fever from attending public events.

“They should have medical personnel on standby. Moreover, they should closely coordinate with their DOH counterparts so that they are properly guided,” he said.

GSG