Going out for Valentine’s? Observe health protocols or better yet, stay home, says PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday urged couples to observe health protocols or better yet, stay home instead on Valentine's Day.

"From our end, kung makakabuti para sa kanila, doon na lang sila sa bahay, better. Pero kung sa palagay nila, lalabas sila para maging memorable sa kanila ang celebration, we leave it to them. But just comply with the minimum health requirements para sa kanilang kalusugan at safety as well," PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said in a phone interview.

Usana said some hotels and motels have already resumed operations even amid the COVID-19 pandemic following government guidelines.

However, since some of these establishments are being used as quarantine facilities, couples should check first before going, Usana said.

"Actually, ang alam ko, ang nag-reopen 'yung ilan sa mga establishments natin to include 'yung motels. And ilan naman dito, based naman sa LGU regulations, may mga ordinances sila. They just have to be compliant in health standards na kung sakaling maaaring papasok sa mga motels ay tinitingnan kung 'yun bang establishment na ito ay ginagamit pa rin for quarantine facility requirement," he said.

"Ito kasi ang naging basehan before at nag-offer naman 'yung mga ganitong motels sa Metro Manila na magamit nga po 'yung kanilang mga rooms. But I just don't know whether some LGUs are still strict at enforcing 'yung mga ordinances against 'yung gamit sa mga motels for couples who would like to celebrate Valentine's together sa mga ganito pong private establishments," he added.

Usana stressed that minimum health standards should still be strictly followed, even as the COVID-19 vaccination program will be rolled out soon, as part of the new normal.

"We still have to ensure that 'yung minimum health standards are still being followed strictly kasi ito po 'yung basehan why is it na mas mababa kumpara sa mga nakaraang panahon 'yung mga nagkakahawa-hawa. At nakikita natin ang maturity ng ilan sa mga  mamamayan to bear with the fact na talagang ito, new normal na kailangan natin kaharapin," he said.

"So along with that, 'yung mga pagpasok sa mga iba-ibang lugar, whether commercial, private or otherwise, magkakaroon pa rin ng ganu'ng perspective kung sino man po ang nag-iisip lumabas from their respective homes and maybe enjoy the freedom na for a while na-curtail dahil nga sa mga lockdown requirements ng bawat LGUs," Usana said.

"And we also are hoping from the side of the law enforcement na hindi na po mangyari 'yung mga pag-caution dahil may mga pasaway pa rin na mga mamamayan because of non-compliance with the minimum health protocols po," he said.

Usana said even if just going out for dinner or going to tourist destinations, couples should still follow health protocols.

"There is no substitute for complying with the minimum health protocols kasi 'yun na rin ang panuntunan ng DOH [Department of Health]. You would be assured of being protected yourself dahil sa compliance na ito sa minimum health protocols," he said.

The Philippines’ tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 545,300 on Friday.

Of this number, 500,654 have recovered while 11,495 died. 

Of the remaining 33,151 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 86.9% are mild, 7.8% are asymptomatic, 2.3% are severe, and 2.4% are in critical condition. —KG, GMA News