If there is one thing the Filipino people value most, it is the sense of togetherness during the long holiday season. But this year, as we continue to weather the Covid-19 pandemic, some sacrifices have to be made.

In a virtual press briefing last Wednesday, December 9, 2020, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III warned that there may be a surge in Covid-19 cases due to the increase in the “mobility of people during the holiday season.”

“This is a warning to all of us that if we let our guard down, you’re going to really see what we’ve been saying all along [about] the surge in the number of cases,” he said.

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP), which are both located in Metro Manila, also said that they are already bracing for a possible spike in the number of Covid-19.

“As the holiday approaches, we see a lot of photos showing crowded places and some people also go to their relatives, probably for a reunion even if the government does not allow that. But we are ready, we did not reduce our COVID beds and the COVID operations of PGH are continuous,” PGH Spokesperson Jonas Del Rosario said in an interview with Teleradyo PH.

Given these warnings, there are things that ordinary citizens like us can do to help our medical frontliners minimize the possible Covid-19 surge.  We have listed a few of them below: 

1.) Hold the authorities responsible

It is really hard to put the burden on people who have followed the strict health protocols of the government since the national lockdowns were placed in March. The best thing to do is to remind authorities of the responsibilities they have through voicing our rational opinions.

2.) Going out for leisure? Think again

If you’re going out for a short break, think if it really needs to be done during the holidays when everybody is outside as well. There are many ways to unwind without spending a dime and risking your precious health.

3.) Keep your gatherings small and under control

In case you missed it, large Christmas events are no longer allowed in Metro Manila, in a radio interview, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, head of the Metro Manila Council, said that they have recommended the suspension of Christmas caroling and parties to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

“We talked about the suspension of caroling. Caroling will not be allowed, as well as Christmas parties,” Olivarez said.

He added that the attendance  in public gatherings will remain limited to 10 people.

4.) You can do grocery shopping online!

If the threat of Covid-19 scares you more than anything else, it would perhaps be safer for you to have your groceries delivered right in front of your doorstep.

Here are a few local websites that offer affordable online grocery delivery:

a.) PushKart PH

b.) Lazmart (by Lazada)

c.) Metromart

d.)Bukid Fresh

e.)FreshProduce – next-day delivery of fresh produce

5.) Wear face masks and wash your hands frequently 

If you’re going out for essential needs, always make sure that you are among the citizens who follow the minimum health standards such as the wearing of face masks and washing your hands as often as you could.