Event organizers urged to work with LGUs on health protocols ahead of holiday season

FILE Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP

In a statement on Tuesday, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said that while the police force is doing its best to manage crowds in public spaces during the incoming Christmas season, organizers must do their share in minimizing the risks of COVID-19 transmissions.

“I would advise organizers of tiangges or bazaars to work with LGUs to ensure that participants in their activities strictly observe [minimum public health and safety] protocols, particularly physical distancing,” Eleazar said.

“Mahalaga lalo ang pagsunod sa health protocols partikular na ang physical distancing kung may kinalaman sa pagkain ang event, maski al fresco dining, dahil kinakailangan ditong mag-alis ng face mask,” he added.

(It is important to follow health protocols, particularly physical distancing, if an event would involve dining, even if that is alfresco dining because you need to remove your face masks.)

For the nth time, Eleazar reminded the public to remain on guard against COVID-19 as the battle against the pandemic is not yet over despite constantly decreasing numbers across the country.

The PNP chief asked Filipinos to avoid being complacent, especially if they visit areas of public convergence or shops frequented by huge crowds like the Divisoria market in Manila — as seeking savings may even result in huge expenses due to medications.

“Huwag sana tayo magpakakumpiyansa sa pamimili sa Divisoria o sa mga tiangge lalo’t siksikan. Baka ang mangyari ay nakapamili nga tayo ng mura ay mapapagastos naman tayo ng malaki sa pagpapagamot,” Eleazar stressed.

(Let us not be too complacent in buying goods like in Divisoria or bazaars, especially when huge crowds are present.  Because what may happen is that while you can buy cheaper goods, you may spend more on your medication.)

“Pinapaalala ko sa ating mga kababayan na ang kaunting pagluwag sa mga panuntunan ay hindi nangangahulugang wala na ang banta ng COVID-19 at wala na rin ang panganib na dumami muli ang mga kaso.  Kailangang magtulungan tayo para mapanatili o mas mapababa pa ang mga naitatalang COVID-19 cases,” he added.

(I am reminding our fellow Filipinos that the easing of quarantine restrictions does not mean there is no COVID-19 threat and there are no dangers if cases increase once again.  We must help each other in maintaining lower infection numbers.)

Most areas in the country, including Metro Manila, are seeing lower COVID-19 cases, after the surge caused by the Delta variant last August and September.  However, several government officials, including Eleazar, warned against being too relaxed as the pandemic threat and newly discovered subvariants are still present.

In recent weeks, authorities have seen an influx of crowds in public areas like Quirino Grandstand, malls, and the infamous dolomite beach at Manila Bay.  In response to crowding, Eleazar has already directed police offices to monitor whether there is a need to augment the personnel deployed.

READ: PNP pleads to public: Play your part, follow safety protocols while on holidays 

READ: PNP deploys more cops to impose health protocols in Manila’s ‘white sand beach’ 

As of Monday, the country still has 43,185 active COVID-19 infections due to 3,117 new cases.  However, the daily increase in cases and the active case count are far from the numbers during the August and September surge.

READ: PH records 3,117 new COVID-19 cases, lowest since May 23