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— The Editors

Avoid temptation of gathering during Holy Week: Red Cross

<p><strong>STAY SAFE.</strong> The Philippine Red Cross advises the public not to let their guard down during the Holy Week. In a statement on Friday (March 26, 2021), chair Senator Richard Gordon said Covid-19 cases would rise further if safety protocols are disregarded. <em>(Photo courtesy of PRC)</em></p>

STAY SAFE. The Philippine Red Cross advises the public not to let their guard down during the Holy Week. In a statement on Friday (March 26, 2021), chair Senator Richard Gordon said Covid-19 cases would rise further if safety protocols are disregarded. (Photo courtesy of PRC)

MANILA – Anticipating the temptation to congregate during the upcoming Holy Week, Senator Richard Gordon, chair and chief executive officer of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), warned the public against letting their guard down.

Gordon said the number of daily coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases might go down next week because people will not be tested as much.

“We must not be fooled by this. The rate of positivity remains dangerously high so we must continue to be vigilant about the safety measures we are taking,” he said.

“I know that Holy Week is traditionally a time for Filipino families and friends to get together, but there will be many other opportunities to do so safely in the future. Now is not the time.”

The past several weeks have seen a spike in Covid-19 cases, with PRC data showing an increase in the percentage of positive cases per batch of tests taken this week, compared to the positivity rate in previous months.

A total of 9,838 active cases were recorded on Friday, along with 663 recoveries.

“We are seeing now that 23 percent of the tests come out positive, whereas from April 2020 until early March (2021), we were in single-digit percentages, the highest being 9 percent last August,” Gordon said.

He said the 23 percent positivity rate was the highest ever seen at the PRC since the start of the pandemic one year ago.

“It tells us that the virus is spreading unabated,” Gordon said.

To prevent the spread of the disease, he called on the public to avoid the three Cs: closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded public spaces, and close-contact settings that put people within range of droplets from speaking, coughing and sneezing.

“Let’s each do our part in stopping the spread of Covid-19. Let’s also take this opportunity to quietly reflect on Christ’s sacrifice for the sake of our salvation and to think of how we can translate that into our own actions for the upliftment of our nation and people,” he added.

Gordon said people should be diligent about safety protocols at all times.

“Wear a mask even at home, especially in the presence of the vulnerable; wear a face shield in addition to a mask when out of the house; practice social distancing; wash your hands often; and eat one by one,” he said.

“If you are sitting together, if possible diagonally across each other, instead of directly across. Be exaggerated about your safety protocols if you have to. Hospitals are full and we do not have enough doctors and nurses, so let us avoid getting ourselves and our loved ones sick.” (PR)

 

 

 

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