Palace: Prioritize COVID-19 safety rules during Christmas gatherings

The Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) urged the public to prioritize health protocols as we continue to battle COVID-19 this Christmas season.

"Bagamat maluwag na ang restrictions para sa mga pagtitipon, malaki pa rin ang maitutulong ng pagsunod sa health protocols para maipagdiwang ang Pasko at bagong taon nang may mabuting kalusugan," it said.

(Although the restrictions for gatherings have been relaxed, following health protocols will help us to celebrate Christmas and the new year with good health.)

"Huwag kalimutang mag-mask, hugas, at iwas."

(Don't forget to mask, wash, and keep your distance.)

The Palace said maintaining the airflow inside households is essential to prevent the disease from spreading easily.

"Siguruhin din na bakunado para sa mas ligtas na pagsasama-sama ngayong pasko," it added.

(Make sure everyone is vaccinated for safer gatherings this Christmas.)

Likewise, the Department of Health urged individuals to wear a face mask, get vaccinated, and immediately isolate if they develop symptoms.

The DOH had detected four cases of BF.7, a sublineage of the highly transmissible Omicron BA.5 subvariant.

Although there is no evidence that BF.7 differs from the original Omicron variant, the DOH still reminds the public to be cautious, especially during Christmas gatherings. — DVM, GMA Integrated News