Excited to hit the malls or flea markets soon to get some Christmas shopping done? Nix that because the Department of Health said today that one could get infected with the coronavirus in crowded places, even when wearing masks or shields.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual media briefing that while they understand that people are excited to shop for Christmas gifts, they have to remember that the virus still exists. She said this after photos of the Divisoria market teeming with people went viral over the weekend.
“You know, even if you have a mask and face shield but if you’re going to a crowded place where people stand almost next to each other, you can still get sick [with COVID]. The risk is there and it’s very high,” she said.
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“That’s why as much as possible we should avoid crowded places. And if we really need to shop because that’s part of our celebration, perhaps you can find other ways to do this activity for yourselves,” she added.
“I just want to remind everyone that the chance of getting infected in crowded places is high, like Divisoria over the weekend.”
Manila’s Divisoria is a popular shopping destination for Filipinos who love to bargain hunt. Almost all products are sold in the area, from clothes to food.
The Philippines has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia, with 418,818 cases, including 386,486 recoveries and 8,123 deaths.
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