DOH advises public to use alternatives to firecrackers to celebrate holidays

As part of the agency’s campaign for a safer Christmas, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday advised the public to use alternatives to firecrackers in celebrating the holiday season.

In a media briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the public may use other objects to make noise or watch the community fireworks display.

“Para maiwasan natin ‘yung mga injuries for this holiday season at mahirap din po magkaroon tayo ng mga ganitong kaso ngayon, lalong-lalo na kailangan natin ang ating existing resources for our COVID response,” Vergeire said.

(So we can avoid injuries for this holiday season. It is not the best time to be injured in that way, especially since we need our existing resources for our COVID-19 response.)

The DOH also urged the public to continue wearing face masks and to ensure that air ventilation is sufficient while celebrating.

It also called on the public to encourage families and friends who are 12 years old and above to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Vergeire advised Filipinos to eat food and drink alcoholic beverages in moderation.

“So sana po lahat ng ating mga kababyan makisama, tumulong sa atin, para magkaroon tayong lahat ng Ligtas Christmas sa Health Pilipinas,” she said.

(I hope the public can join us so we can have a Ligtas Christmas sa Health Pilipinas.)

— DVM, GMA News