DOH to parents: Don’t bring kids to cemeteries

MANILA, Philippines — With influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) spreading during the flu season, the Department of Health (DOH) urged parents not to bring their children when they visit their deceased loved ones during Undas or All Saints’ and All Souls’ days.

DOH spokesman Albert Domingo yesterday said it is prudent for parents to leave their children at home rather than go to cemeteries, columbaria and memorial parks which are crowded during Undas as they could either get infected with ILIs or become spreaders if they are carrying flu viruses.

“If you have symptoms do not go to cemeteries. Just rest at home,” he said at a Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

Domingo gave the warning as DOH recorded an uptick in flu cases in September from 10,265 cases in the first half of the month up to 10,740 in the second half, an increase of 4.62 percent.

If people would prefer to bring their children, Domingo said they should wear face masks and bring sanitizers for protection.

DOH will declare a code white alert for all hospitals next week, which signifies the readiness of health facilities to respond to any medical emergency during Undas.

DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development director Lester Tan said that as early as Oct. 29, local government units in Metro Manila will start sending their health personnel to cemeteries.

Over 20 health emergency response teams will be deployed in large cemeteries in Metro Manila to give first aid.

Tan said ambulances will also be on standby at the cemeteries to bring patients to the hospital if needed.

Meanwhile, 2,400 traffic enforcers have been deployed in preparation for Undas, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Swift Traffic Action Group head Edison Nebrija.

He said they are manning traffic management along major thoroughfares, roads around cemeteries and routes to transportation hubs.

He said they already deployed their personnel in anticipation of the exodus of travelers to the provinces. — Rhodina Villanueva