Health protocols to adhere to this Christmas season
The COVID-19 pandemic has been quite stressful for most people.
And with the holidays coming up, it is an opportunity for all of us to connect with our families and friends. However, you might want to consider how your holiday plans can be modified to help reduce the spread of the virus to your loved ones.
Fortunately, the Department of Health (DOH) offers the following considerations to slow the spread of COVID-19 during small gatherings.
According to DOH Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire to Pinoy MD, “Tuloy pa rin po ang Paskong Pinoy.
“Hindi naman po natin mapipigilan na magkaroon tayo ng selebrasyon dahil unang una this is part of our culture. Pero kailangan natin isaisip na iba po ang sitwasyon natin ngayon dahil meron tayong hinaharap na pandemya.”
Things to consider:
1. Go online or celebrate with the members of your own household only
This poses the lowest risk of spread. Your household is anyone who currently lives and shares the common space in your housing unit, which can include family members, roommates, or people who are unrelated to you.
In-person gatherings that bring home other members of the family from different households pose varying levels of risk. If you can, take your family reunion or gathering online via Zoom.
“We are not encouraging na mag-imbita tayo ng mga bisita na outside of our household dahil ito nga 'yung sinasabi natin na baka maging risky para mag-spread tayo ng infection,” USEC Vergeire notes.
2. Remember the acronym “A.P.A.T.”
A.P.A.T. is a system devised by the Department of Health to remember the top four protocols when conducting holiday gatherings. Here's what it means:
Air Circulation - the host must ensure proper ventilation for air to circulate within the vicinity.
Physical Distancing - the hosts and guests must observe proper social distancing
Always wear a mask - only remove the mask when eating or drinking
Thirty minutes max - commit to keeping gatherings short
3. Senior citizens must be away from the main area
Senior citizens or immuno-compromised persons are strongly urged not to attend any gatherings, especially indoor gatherings. If you gather with older adults or those with chronic conditions, make sure they wear surgical or N95 masks.
4. Set meals and don't share utensils
Keep your household safe by preparing set meals to avoid contamination from the virus. It's also important not to share utensils or drinks with anyone. If you can, prepare plastic utensils and disposable paper plates for your guests. Once finished, don't forget to segregate your trash.
5. Wash your hands
Place alcohol dispensers and remind your guests to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
For more tips, check out this video from Pinoy MD:
Holiday celebrations will likely need to be different this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It's a little sacrifice we have to take to prevent the spread of the virus. Follow these guidelines to a T, and let's all hope that it will all be back to normal next year.
Merry Christmas, mga Kapuso.