DOH records 19 firework-related injuries, 58% higher compared to 2020

The Philippines recorded 19 firework-related injuries so far, according to the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said this was 58% higher compared to the 2020 report of 12 cases and 67% lower than the five-year average of 58 cases during the same time period.

“All were injuries due to fireworks… There was no fireworks ingestion, stray bullet injury, or death reported,”  Vergeire said in a media briefing.

Meanwhile, seven of the incidents occurred in Western Visayas.

Vergeire said 16 of the reports were due to illegal fireworks and three cases were due to legal fireworks.

“Pigilan po natin ang aksidente at disgrasya dahil sa paputok sa pamamagitan ng pag-iwas sa paggamit nito at pagiging handa sa lahat ng pwedeng maging aksidente,” Vergeire said.

(Let us prevent accidents due to fireworks by refraining from using this and by preparing for any accidents that may happen.)

She also called on the public to comply with minimum public health standards such as the wearing of masks, hand washing, and close contact with other individuals.

“Ating iwasan din muna ang paggamit ng torotot, pito, o iba pang mga laruan na ginagamitan ng bibig upang maiwasan natin ang pagkahawa-hawaan,” she said.

(Let us also refrain from using horn, whistle, or other toys operated by mouth to avoid transmission of COVID-19.)—AOL, GMA News