This Easter, the public is encouraged to refrain from kissing images and continue to adhere to standards against COVID-19, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
COVID-19 can be passed through a droplet that can enter the mouth, nose, and eyes, according to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
“Doon po sa paghalik o paghawak sa poon, siguraduhin niyo po na ‘di po tayo humalik sa poon kung marami nang tao ang humalik nito. Maghugas ng kamay kung kayo ay humawak nito. ‘Wag niyo ihawak ang inyong kamay sa bibig at ilong para makaiwas tayo sa pagkahawaan,” the official said.
“Patuloy po nating ipatupad ang minimum public health standards. Maghugas kayo lagi ng kamay, magsuot ng face mask, wag ho pumunta sa matataong lugar,” she added.
Churches are also encouraged not to let patrons kiss images, Vergeire said.
She said, “We advise and request our churches kung maaari lang po sana itong practice na ito ay hindi na muna natin ipatupad. Meron naman po tayong ibang ways kung paano tayo makakapag-show ng ating devotion.”
“Sana po itong practice na ito ay maiwasan para hindi na po tayo magkaroon ng pagtaas ng kaso.”
The DOH issued a reminder after recombinant variant XE was reported in Thailand.
DOH issues reminders for Holy Week
Whenever possible, do not touch images of saints, according to Vergeire. However, if unavoidable, make it a habit to sanitize or wash your hands.
Speaker’s note, don’t forget to bring a face mask, vaccination card, hand sanitizer, water, emergency medicine, umbrella, and handkerchief when traveling.
The public is also advised not to crucify as much as possible, Vergeire said.
“Pag nagpapako po tayo sa krus, unang-una tetano ang katapat natin dahil sa mga pako na ‘yan, pangalawa impeksyon po sa ugat na pangyayarihan nitong pagkakapako na ‘yan,” she said.
“Pangatlo, maaaring magdulot din ‘yan ng pagkawala ng dugo dahil po marami rin po tayong ugat nananalaytay sa ating mga kamay at paa at maaaring mag-cause ng harm sa inyo.”
About 80 percent of Filipinos are Catholic.
Metro Manila and other areas are under COVID-19 Alert 1 until April 30. This allows full on-site capacity for all activities.
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