Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III reminded Pangasinenses on Wednesday to abide by the health protocols amid the celebrations this holiday season to prevent further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the province.

“Mga kababayan ko, tuloy ang selebrasyon ng pasko at bagong taon pero isaalang-alang natin ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng ating mga pamilya, ng ating bayan, at ng ating lalawigan. Sayang naman po ang ating pagod at sakripisyo lalo ng ating mga front-liners kung mababalewala lamang (To my fellow Pangasinenses, the celebration of Christmas and the new year will go on but let us consider the health and safety of our families, our towns and cities, and our province. Our sacrifices, especially of the front-liners, will be in vain if it will just be taken for granted),” Espino said in a video message posted on Facebook.

He advised Pangasinenses to just stay at home if necessary and to continue being disciplined for the safety of everybody as the Covid-19 threat continues

“Magtiis at magtiyaga sa simple, masaya at ligtas na pagdiriwang ng pasko at bagong taon kasama ang ating mga mahal sa buhay. Darating din ang panahon na maipagdiriwang natin ang pasko at bagong taon gaya ng dati (Let us endure and bear a simple, happy and safe celebration of Christmas and new year with our loved ones. There will come a time when we will be celebrating Christmas and the new year just like before),” he said.

Espino also asked local government units (LGUs) in the province to continue monitoring and implementing the health protocols in their respective jurisdictions.

“Bantayan ang bumibisita sa inyong mga lugar. (Monitor those who visit your places),” he said.

Pangasinan recorded on Oct. 3 some 456 Covid-19 active cases, which were the highest number of active cases in the province, Espino said.

“The number of active cases gradually declined with the cooperation of everybody. As of Dec. 2, there were 141 active cases but we have noticed a gradual increase as people from outside of the country, from Metro Manila and other provinces have started to arrive in the province for the holiday season,” he added.

As of Dec.16, Pangasinan has 211 active cases as it remains under modified general community quarantine until Dec. 31. (PNA)

Photo Credit: www.pangasinan.gov.ph