By Benjamin S. De Yro
...That is the question as we usher in the Holidays because we are on a pandemic mode and woe unto those who would.
While the government has loosened a bit health protocols in some areas in the country, one should always be on the look-out as another variant of the virus has just entered our shores.
For a country notoriously known as having the longest Christmas celebration in the world, caution should be on top of the Holiday lists. Covid19 could spread through gatherings and we are all vulnerable. As one of the world’s most hospitable races, we are tempted to receive visitors and friends as we are prone to visit them, too.
Food always topbills the season and without us realizing it, it can be dangerous. Check on the quality of food. It may not be stored properly, sufficiently cooked or prepared. Also, the quality of ingredients may not be as good which can lead to poisoning.
At times, there’s a barrage of activities, unplanned, food cooked outside of the lists.
While we savor our own kind of hospitality and warmth to our families, relatives and friends, it would be wise to be safe and calm. Again, health protocols should be followed to the letter. The kind of ‘little sacrifices’ we make this season will protect us, our loved ones and our communities.
Yes, our goal is to ensure that we are still able to celebrate the season next year.
We can be creative. We can use present-day technology to reach out to people in the form of virtual parties, church services and on-line shopping to avoid the crowd.
However in recent weeks, there has been a noted increase in social activities in the country as health officials tirelessly remind people to follow protocols. Because of the Holiday season and given our culture and traditions as Filipinos, there is a possibility that cases may once again increase.
There is a noted increase of social activities as local government units have staged merriment along parks and other public places. Noticeably, social distancing has become a broken protocol.
People started to go malling as if nothing happened. While a good percentage of the populace has been vaccinated, reports from experts said there is no guarantee one can’t get the virus. The situation of course is aggravated by varied information from sources other than the government.
Let this also be an appeal for residents to take extra precautionary measures so as to protect them from the deadly virus.
As to whether such call can ring a bell, it will be up for everybody to heed the call. The decision will always fall on our own shoulders as we asks ourselves whether we will indulge or not on our own personal human frailties.
Shall we or shall we not. That is the question.
