A call for prudence in Christmas celebration
The Province of Bohol has recently experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases and has already recorded 14 COVID-19 deaths. The number of active cases increased to 88 at the close of the week from 37 when the week started. BIATF spokesperson Dr. Yul Lopez reported that 16 of the active cases are local transmissions while the rest are traced to locally stranded individuals, OFWs, and authorized personnel outside of residence.
This situation raises concern as the province is set to allow home quarantine as one option for those who are allowed entry into the province. The City Government of Tagbilaran announced that it would be implementing “very strict” protocols if it decides to allow LSIs and OFWs to undergo home quarantine. This option is frowned upon by local health experts. Although the conditions for home quarantine are set in the recent Executive Order of the Governor, strict implementation remains to be a challenge.
For the OCTA Research Group, December is a month to watch out for since it is very likely that COVID-19 cases in the country will surge as the holiday season is nearing. There is a huge possibility that cases will rise because people might go out more due to the fatigue of staying home.
It was earlier announced in October that Christmas parties would not be allowed this year in Metro Manila, where a surge in COVID-19 cases remains a possibility amid the easing of quarantine restrictions. While there is no express prohibition of Christmas parties in Bohol, the less stringent policy calls for the exercise of individual precaution. The Department of Health has warned that these Christmas parties might cause a super spreader event, and it might cause further infections in the community.
With the rising number of local transmissions in the province, now is not the time for indiscretion. It takes only one asymptomatic person to join the revelry among company employees or a group of friends to infect the whole community. So before joining Christmas parties and other gatherings, let us remember that Christmas is best celebrated in the privacy of our homes with intimacy among family members, and not in a COVID ward fighting to survive for another day.