DOH reports 4 more cases of fireworks-related injuries; total now at 36

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported four additional cases of fireworks-related injuries, bringing the total number to 36.

The DOH said the current caseload of fireworks-related injuries is 44% higher compared to the same period last year.

It added that the four new cases of fireworks-related injuries came from the 61 DOH sentinel hospitals.

At a press conference, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said all hospitals are currently under code white which were all instructed to prepare and have a special team to address the concerns of those people going to hospitals with injuries due to firecrackers.

Vergeire also called other government agencies to enforce regulations to further prevent the increase of fireworks-related injuries.

No sharing of torotot

The DOH OIC also reminded the public to avoid sharing of torotot in celebration of the New Year to avoid spread of diseases.

“Kung tayo ay gagamit ng torotot, siguraduhin po natin na hindi tayo nagpapasa-pasa at naghihiraman lalo na po yung ating mga anak, dahil maaring magkaroon po tayo ng hawahan,” Vergeire said.

(If we are going to use torotot, let's make sure that we don't share and borrow it, especially our children, because we may spread diseases.)

“Kung saka sakaling gagamit tayo ng torotot sana po doon tayo sa open space huwag po tayo doon sa mga enclosed space para maiwasan pa rin ang pagkakaroon ng impeksyon ng bawat isa,” she added.

(If we are going to use a torotot, we should use it in an open space and not in an enclosed space to prevent each other from getting infected.

Vergeire said the public must always be vigilant and take extra precautionary measures to curb spread of COVID-19. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News