MANILA (UCAN): “We are warning those who will hold Christmas parties in restaurants, malls and other public places. This remains illegal and a violation of our quarantine protocols. Any gathering of more than 10 people outside (homes) will be considered a mass gathering,” the Philippine’s secretary of the Interior, Eduardo Ano, a member of the inter-agency task force for the management of infectious diseases, said on December 17.
Gatherings of over 10 people are not allowed because they are considered mass gatherings and are a violation of anti-Covid-19 pandemic rules. Guidelines issued in October prohibit large gatherings other than movie screenings, concerts, sporting events and other entertainment activities.
Christmas parties are considered non-essential activities and remain a violation of pandemic protocols.
However, Ano clarified that family gatherings are still legal. “It’s really the number. Restaurants should also be careful. Make sure you observe proper social distancing,” he added.
The interior secretary urged churchgoers to hold virtual Christmas parties instead to prevent further spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.
“If you can avoid face-to-face parties, please do so. Our people’s instinct at Christmas is to celebrate, go out, shop, buy gifts and gather. Every time people get close together, there’s a risk of infection,” he said.
His warning followed a Health Department report saying Covid-19 infections had increased over the past two weeks due to holiday-related activities.
Police chief, General Debold Sinas, warned that police will check restaurants and other venues for possible violations.
“Solemn parties are allowed. If you hold a solemn celebration, eat together and observe social distancing in your home, then we will not disturb you,” Sinas told reporters on December 17.
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Sinas assured churchgoers that police authorities would not barge into houses unless they received complaints from neighbourhood and local authorities of possible violations.
“Our instruction is to disperse these mass gatherings and invite those responsible to the police precinct for questioning,” Sinas added.
Churchgoers agreed with Sinas but were critical of him for violating the same protocols by holding a birthday party for himself with fellow police in May.
“He and his companions were not apprehended. I hope the law will not only favour those who are in positions of power,” Roderick Madallo from Quezon City, said.
