Street parties OK as long as organizers can enforce guidelines — DOH official

Street parties are allowed this Christmas as long as organizers or local authorities will be able to implement the guidelines, a Department of Health (DOH) official said Friday.

At the Palace briefing, DOH director Dr. Beverly Ho reminded the public that there is a 70% capacity for outdoor areas under Alert Level 2.

“So as long as kaya ng ating local authorities o nung organizers, no, to make sure that happens na ma-enforce ‘yung guidelines na ‘yun, puwede, no?” Ho said.

(So as long as our local authorities or organizations make sure to enforce the guidelines, this is allowed.)

"Pero kung wala tayong kapasidad to enforce those guidelines, sabi nga ni [Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles], we have to be equally accountable. Then hindi natin dapat pag-isipan pa any of these parties," she added.

(But if we don't have the capacity to enforce these guidelines, as Cabinet Secretary said, we have to be equally accountable. Then we should not think about holding these parties.)

For a safe Christmas, Ho also called on organizers holding celebrations to only allow fully-vaccinated individuals inside indoor venues.

Indoor venues in areas under Alert Level 2 have a 50% capacity.

“We encourage everyone to conduct their activities, their reunions, or gatherings in outdoor areas, no? As much as possible, we need to avoid indoor settings with poor ventilation,” she said.

The public is also urged to refrain from removing their face masks except for during mealtime as well as to implement physical distancing measures.

“When we are symptomatic, hindi po tayo pumunta sa mga party. If you don’t feel well, please be considerate of other people,” she said.

Ho also discouraged organizers and attendees from conducting activities that will involve close-contact interactions and loud singing, shouting, and similar interactions. Pre-packed meals are also advised. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA News