First was the mandatory wearing of face shields, and now this.
The Philippine National Police today reminded Pinoys that public displays of affection are prohibited due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that anyone caught hugging, holding hands, and kissing will be warned on their first offense.
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“This is a mere reiteration of [a] previous [government] advisory. Ever since [the] start of restrictions, this is prohibited,” Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana, the police force’s spokesman, told Pilipino Star Ngayon.
“They can’t sit together and talk closely. They can’t go to crowded places. People know what is prohibited,” Usana said.
In a statement released to the media, Usana said that the virus could be “right before” these affectionate couples.
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“Infection happens to families, it can happen to anyone, anywhere,” he said. “And if you love your spouse, your children, you have to be conscious of the minimum health and safety protocols.”
The Philippines has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia, with 600,428 recorded as of yesterday. The number includes 546,078 recoveries and 12,528 deaths. The country has started inoculating its healthcare workers, the last in the region to do so.
