DOH says health protocols breached in Holy Week excursions, tells public to self-monitor for symptoms

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday admitted that they observed breaches of health protocols during the Holy Week break, which, it said, could lead to COVID-19 transmissions.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire admitted that while the DOH expected people would go out, travel, and attend religious activities during the Holy Week break, it did not expect that people would not follow health protocols.

This non-compliance of health protocols could lead to transmission of COVID-19, she added.

“Mukhang nagkaroon talaga tayo ng breaches, ‘yung ating mga paglabag sa (It seems that we have had breaches on the) minimum public health standards. We are expecting and we have prepared for people traveling, for people doing their religious activities but we did not expect that people would really be going to places and not following the minimum public health standards,” Vergeire said.

She said they received reports and social media posts where people are seen crowded in parties and beaches with no masks on.

”Itong mga ganitong pagkakataon, dito nagkakaroon ng chance ‘yung virus para magpasa-pasa sa bawat isa sa atin,” she added.

(There is a chance for the virus to be passed around when it comes to these instances.)

The Health official advised individuals who traveled during the Holy Week to self-monitor for symptoms for five to seven days. Should they experience symptoms, they should isolate themselves immediately.

She also advised the public to wear masks even inside their homes.

“Pagkaraan ng 7 na araw naman at kayo ay fully vaccinated, you can already be able to ascertain na hindi kayo nahawa,” Vergeire said.

(When seven days have passed and you’re fully vaccinated, you can ascertain that you have not been infected.)

For those who conducted penitence activites during the Holy Week, the DOH advised that they should go to health centers to get their wounds treated, if any.

“Gusto lang namin magpaalala sa lahat, lahat ng mga nagpenitensya, kung sakaling nagkaroon kayo ng mga sugat, sakaling napako sa krus, pumunta na kayo sa pinakamalapit na health center natin para mabigyan kayo ng anti-tetano, magamot ‘yung mga sugat para hindi magkaimpkesyon at hindi na lumala pa para kayo ay manatiling malusog,” she said.

(We would like to remind the public, those who conducted penitence activities, if you have wounds from those activities, go to the nearest health center so that you will get treated.)

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