The Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center Task Force (EOC-TF) has appealed to residents here to avoid holding in-person Christmas parties to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Mayor Evelio Leonardia, task force chair, said on Thursday while people traditionally gather for holiday events, it is still more important that health protocols are strictly followed.

“It’s Christmas, but we would like to appeal that we prioritize the health protocols than any traditions and personal practices,” he added.

Leonardia said although the city’s Covid-19 cases have “substantially gone down”, it is no reason for the people to be complacent.

“We cannot let our guard down. We should be even more watchful because the Christmas spirit may give a (false) sense of security to us,” he said.

On Dec. 9, Bacolod recorded eight new cases, bringing the city’s total confirmed cases to 5,475. Of which, 5,131 are recoveries, 175 active cases, and 168 deaths.

Leonardia said residents should protect their family members and friends from Covid-19 during the Christmas holidays by strongly adhering to minimum health standards.

“The best gift that we can give to our loved ones this Christmas is to strictly observe health protocols,” the mayor said as Bacolod has been placed under a less restrictive modified general community quarantine status until the end of the year.

Minimum public health measures against Covid-19 include wearing of face mask and shield, frequent disinfection, and at least one-meter physical distancing.

City administrator Em Ang, EOC-TF head for administration and operations, said even if gatherings are now allowed at a 50-percent capacity of the venue, it would be better to go virtual, where there would be no limit in terms of attendance.

“The EOC highly recommends that we avoid as much as possible gatherings in-person. These are ‘super spreader’ events. We are trying to limit this type of gatherings,” she added.

Ang said in Bacolod, business process outsourcing (BPO) companies and shopping mall management have committed not to hold in-person Christmas parties this year.

“We are very happy (with this) two sectors. The BPOs’ celebration will be all virtual. All exchange gifts will be delivered by online sellers,” she said. (PNA)