DOH-6: Safe to organize, attend public gatherings

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

It is safe to organize and attend public gatherings amid concerns on the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) provided that precautionary measures will be practiced, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Western Visayas (DOH-CHD-6) said.

The health department in the region reiterated the joint statement recently issued by the DOH Central Office, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Tourism.

“The DOH, DILG, and the DOT would like to assure everyone that it is safe to organize and attend public gatherings, meetings, and festivals as long as all precautionary measures identified by DOH are observed,” DOH-6 Assistant Regional Director Julia Villanueva said.

The joint statement clarified the previous advisory of the health department

The national agencies emphasized that the guidelines of handling guests in tourism enterprises are being implemented by the accommodation sector in the country amid the threats of COVID-19.

“The guidelines in handling guests in tourism enterprises during this global emergency are being implemented in hotels and resorts around the country even before the temporary travel ban, and facilities are equipped with infrared thermometers and more hand sanitizers,” the statement added.

Regional Epidemiologist Dr. Jessie Glen Alonsabe reminded Ilonggos to observe preventive and precautionary measures like washing hands regularly whenever attending public gatherings.

“Ang ila gina-reiterate is preventive and precautionary measures in place. Kinahanglan isundon ang advisory sang DOH parehos sang frequent handwashing and proper cough etiquette. Kon ikaw nagaattend activity kag nagaubo ka and nagasip-on you should wear a mask,” he emphasized.

Alonsabe said organizers should ensure that there are handwashing facilities in the venue of the gatherings and public event.

Recently, the Iloilo City government said that all big events from February to March will be called off.

Mayor Jerry Treñas earlier announced the postponement of the staging of the metro or Paraw Regatta Festival.

The mayor said the move is part of the city’s precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The annual sailing event was initially scheduled on February 23 to March 1, 2020.

Other LGUs in the region also cancelled the holding of their public events amid the concerns of COVID-19.

Alonsabe said it is still the call of the LGUs to take cognizance of the said statement and decide for their respective localities.

“It is still the responsibilities of our LGUs to make their final decision but we also have to respect man kon ano ila decision,” he said.