DAY 2 OF CONTENTIOUS POLICY A bus passenger shows his vaccination and identification cards to a member of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic who is checking compliance with the controversial “no vaccination, no ride’’ policy along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
LUCENA CITY––The Department of Health (DOH) in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) has advised Lenten vacationers to bring their vaccination cards and continuously observe all COVID-19 safety protocols.
Dr. Ariel Valencia, DOH Calabarzon chief, reminded Lenten vacationers and out-of-towners of the importance of having full vaccination against COVID-19.
“This is not just for their protection but for their family and the whole community. Vaccinated individuals should bring their vaccination cards at all times.” Valencia said in a public advisory posted on the DOH-Calabarzon website.
He noted that Holy Week is one of the most important sacred events in the country for most Filipinos.
“But we should not disregard that we are still under pandemic, “Valencia stressed.
He reminded the public to stay cautious and observe minimum public health and safety standards, such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, and frequent handwashing with soap and clean water, or sanitizing with alcohol.
The DOH-Calabarzon also warned the public to watch out for common heat-associated illnesses, such as sore eyes or conjunctivitis, heat rash (sunburn), heat cramps, heat stroke, colds, and flu due to changing weather conditions and animal bites.
Valencia likewise warned travelers, especially beachgoers, about drowning incidents and encouraged them to “make sure that children [at a higher risk of drowning] are safe this summer.”
As a safety precaution, the DOH-Calabarzon reminded vacationers to bring their medicine.
Apart from the minimum public health and safety guidelines, the DOH-Calabarzon has also advised motorists and travelers to observe all safety precautions and follow traffic advisories while on the road.
“Lenten season is a solemn time with your family and loved ones. So, let us all stay safe and healthy,” Valencia stressed.
Calabarzon is home to many tourist destinations and is known for its white-sand beaches, cultural heritage sites, marine sanctuary, majestic mountains, and favorite spots for many local and international tourists.