ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov 13 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) in region 9 reiterated that parties or any other large in-person mass social gatherings are strictly prohibited in Zamboanga Peninsula especially during the coming holidays, as these would increase the risk of COVID-19 infections.
During the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) Kapihan na Zamboanga earlier this week, DOH-9 medical officer Dr. Dennis Antonio Dacayanan cautioned residents, especially those who have plans to have social gatherings to forego the parties.
“Mass gatherings of any kind involving a large number of people are strictly prohibited,” he said. “Authorities will apprehend violators. Bawal talaga.”
Even photos showing mass gatherings or parties on social media can be grounds for apprehension.
He shared that even offices whether government or private are also advised to forego social gatherings and are not exempt from being apprehended by law enforcers.
Instead of having Christmas gatherings, Dr. Dacayanan said that people can make use of online meeting platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet.
“There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays without physically being with other people. We have online platforms that we use. You can celebrate without risking your life,” he said.
However, he clarified that close family members and relatives living in a single household can have mini-parties as long as minimum health protocols and personal hygiene are observed.
The City Government of Zamboanga is still under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) which prohibits mass gatherings. Nevertheless, the DOH is still expecting that there will still be celebrations despite the government advisories on mass gatherings. But Dr. Dacayanan emphasized that people must always adhere to minimum health standards.
Meanwhile, Mayor Beng Climaco appeals to the barangay officials to coordinate with law enforcement and security authorities to strictly implement the MGCQ guidelines. The mayor cited reports that some residents would only observe the protocols when police or barangay enforcers are around. “When the enforcers turn their backs, some residents would just laugh. So it is very important that the DILG, Task Force Ordinance and the police will be able to solicit the cooperation of the barangays in the strict implementation of the guidelines,” she said.
On the other hand, the city government is still awaiting on guidelines from the national government whether to prohibit or allow caroling.
As per latest data from DOH, 120 people have died from COVID-19, while there are still 849 active cases. On the lighter side, 2,065 people have recovered from the virus. (RVC/MLE/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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