PNP warns: ‘Trick or treating’ may turn into ‘trip and treatment’ in hospitals

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MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday urged the public to limit Halloween activities such as parties and going “trick or treating” saying that COVID-19 remains a threat to young children amid the decreasing number of cases in the country.

“Batid ng inyong PNP ang mga nakaugaliang tradisyon tuwing nalalapit ang Undas (All Saints Day and All Souls Day) gaya ng mga halloween party at trick or treat para sa mga bata at maaring magkalakas ng loob ang ilan sa atin dahil sa patuloy na pagbaba ng mga kaso ng COVID-19 sa ating bansa,” said PNP chief PGen Guillermo Eleazar.

(The PNP is aware of the traditions whenever Undas is approaching such as Halloween parties and tricks or treats for children and some of us may be encouraged to do this amid the continuous decline in COVID-19 cases in our country.)

“Kaya pinapayuhan natin ang ating mga kababayan na ipagpaliban muna ito o kaya naman ay gawing limitado sa inyong mga sariling tahanan dahil baka sa halip na trick or treat ay mauwi ito sa trip and treatment sa ospital kapag nahawa ang mga bata lalo pa at wala pa silang bakuna,” he stressed.

(So we advise the public to postpone these activities or limit them to their own homes because instead of trick or treating, it may end up as a trip and treatment in hospitals once children become infected.)

The PNP issued the statement after the Department of Health (DOH) advised families to strictly observe health protocols if they plan to conduct Halloween parties or go trick or treating. The DOH also said that celebrations should only be done with family members.

Meanwhile, Eleazar also warned establishments that they could face closure if they will not follow the protocols being enforced amid the restrictions.

Metro Manila is currently under Alert Level 3 until October 31.

“On the part of the PNP, we will continuously make our presence felt in the communities to ensure that minimum public health safety is observed and eventually lead to further reduction of COVID cases in the country,” Eleazar said.

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