DOH warns of high virus transmission load from videoke singing

The Department of Health (DOH) is discouraging the public from videoke singing during their Christmas festivities as there was a high risk of transmitting COVID-19 through singing.

In an interview on state-run Laging Handa public briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said a recent study found that singing released the highest load of viral transmission compared to talking and breathing.

“Nakita rito sa pagaaral na kapag ikaw ay kumakanta ito ang pinakamataas ang load ng virus na pwede mong mai-transmit so siyempre ‘pag may mga ganitong ebidensya, ang Department of Health po sinasabi natin hindi natin mairerekomenda na itong videoke ay buksan,” Vergeire said.

However, the party-favorite activity can be allowed if it is done among family members of a household.

“Sa mga pami-pamilya lang na hindi naman lumalabas maaring payagan. ‘Yung malawakan, party ng mga kaibigan ay dapat iwasan po muna natin ito,” the Health official said.

The DOH earlier encouraged virtual parties during the Christmas season to make celebrations safer and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

As of Friday, November 6, the Philippines’ COVID-19 cases reach 391,809, of which 349,974 are recoveries and 7,461 are deaths. — DVM, GMA News