DILG discourages karaoke singing in public gathering

The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Thursday discouraged karaoke singing in public gatherings during the holidays as loud singing could increase the transmission of COVID-19.

According to Joseph Morong’s report on “24 Oras,” the chances of spreading the virus through loud singing is at 449%.

“Sinusuportahan po ng DILG ang panawagan ng DOH na ipagbawal muna ang mga karaoke ngayong kapaskuhan,” DILG spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said.

Malaya, however, clarified that it is not against karaoke sessions of individuals who live in the same household.

“Importante po dito is we highly discourage ‘yong public karaoke pero kung kayo po ay dalawa o tatlo sa inyong bahay at magkakaraoke kayo sa loob ng inyong tahanan ay sa tingin po namin wala naman pong masama siguro diyan,” he said.

“Ang ayaw lang natin ay maging cause ito ng community transmission and therefore ‘yong mga kadalasan nating ginagawa ‘pag pasko, mayroon tayong community singing sa barangay hall o di kaya sa kanto ay nagkakaraoke tayo, lahat ay sumasama, ‘yon po ay gustong ipagbawal ng DILG,” he added.

The DILG also urged local government units to pass ordinances banning karaoke in social gatherings and public places this Christmas and New Year to prevent the further spread of the respiratory disease.

“Kung ano po ang nakasaad na parusa doon sa ordinansa, ‘yan dapat po ang ipatupad ng ating mga awtoridad. At ang magpapatupad po niyan, of course, ang munisipyo o ang barangay and ang ating kapulisan,” Malaya said.

The Department of Health earlier said karaoke and caroling were among the activities that have higher risks of COVID-19 transmission. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/MDM, GMA News