How to prevent superspreader events in campaign rallies? OCTA Research gives tips

Pacquiao campaign kick-off on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — As the campaign season for the May 9 elections officially started, independent analytics group OCTA Research on Wednesday offered suggestions on how to prevent superspreader events during political rallies.

OCTA Research fellow Guido David said political events should be held outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, attendees must wear a face mask, and ideally, they must be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Syempre, malaking factor kung nasa outdoor or well-ventilated areas itong mga rallies natin at ‘yung pagsuot sa face mask malaking factor din ‘yan at sana syempre kung may paraan tayo para mag-check kung vaccinated ‘yung mga nag-a-attend sa mga rallies, isang paraan din ‘yan,” he explained on the Laging Handa briefing.

(Holding rallies outdoors or well-ventilated areas and wearing a face mask are big factors. Also, it would be better if there is a way to check if the attendees are vaccinated.)

READ: The race is on, campaign season for national posts kicks off

David said they are monitoring the numbers to see if there would be a spike in cases as the campaign period formally began on February 8.

“Definitely, binabantayan namin ‘yung mga numbers at titignan natin kung magkakaroon ng pagtaas ng bilang ng kaso sa mga iba-ibang regions or LGUs (local government units). Syempre, we’re hoping na walang itataas na bilang na kaso para masabi natin na safe naman,” he said.

(Definitely, we are looking at the numbers and we will look at whether there would be an increase in the number of cases in different regions or LGUs. Of course, we’re hoping that cases would not swell to say that it is safe.)

The country on Tuesday registered 3,574 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest daily tally so far this year.

According to David, the decline in cases could be attributed to the public’s compliance with safety protocols.

READ: ‘Worst is over’ in most parts of PH as COVID-19 cases decline — OCTA

“Kaya rin bumaba ‘yung bilang ng kaso natin at nakikita nating ganitong mababang levels or bumababa ‘yung level natin ay dahil nagko-cooperate ‘yung mga kababayan natin at patuloy na sumusunod sa minimum public health standards, napakahalaga din niyan,” he pointed out.

(Our number of cases has decreased and we see a low alert level because the people cooperate and continue to follow minimum public health standards, which is very important.)

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