Parents, Don't Let Your Guard Down! Covid-19 Still Exists: 7 Safety Tips Before Going Out

Whether you are #TeamBahay or #TeamGala during the Holy Week break, it is important to not let our guard down, 

National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 special adviser Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa warned the public that there might be a possibility for an increase in Covid-19 cases in the country in the next two months.

“Yung dalawang big events natin – we have the campaign period at mayroon din tayong religious events like Holy Week and Ramadan. All of these are high risk events o superpreader[s]. Magandang reminder ito sa atin na pwede talagang tumaas ang kaso in the next two months," said Herbosa in an article by Manila Bulletin.

WHO also laid out the possibility that a more dangerous variant of concern than Omicron could e lurking around the corner.

With the Holy Week and the elections coming up, here are some reminders from the CDC that we should all observe to keep this surge from happening.

Covid-19 safety tips

1. Wear your mask properly.

Everyone ages 2 years and above should properly wear a well-fitting mask in public areas, regardless of vaccination status. Make sure that your mask covers your nose and mouth. Here are DIY face mask ideas that you can use.

2. Observe social distancing.

Although this can be easily neglected these days, it is better to always stay 6 feet away from others, especially when you are dining in or in situations when you need to remove your mask.

3. Avoid poorly ventilated spaces and crowds.

If indoors, open windows and doors to bring in fresh air. 

4. Get tested if you are feeling symptoms.

Better safe than sorry. Before you head out to that family trip, observe if you have symptoms of Covid-19, listed below:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

5. Wash your hands often.

Use soap and water to wash your hands especially after being in a public place, before eating, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. You can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

6. Clean and disinfect.

If you will be going out with your family, make sure to clean and disinfect high touch surfaces before use. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, phones, toilets, sinks.

One mom from the Smart Parenting Village advised if you go out with a child, "Toddler can be malikot and touch everything, bring plentyyyy of alcohol! I used to randomly spray alcohol around my kids whenever we go out, and kung kaya, timingan niyo na wala masyadong tao sa pupuntahan niyo."

7. Get vaccinated.

Herbosa calls on the public, including breastfeeding moms, to grab the opportunity to get vaccinated during the Holy Week break, "“Habang holy week at walang trabaho siguro, maganda at pwede na tayo magpa-booster."

If you don't have any plans to go out during the Holy Week break, it is best to keep safe and stay home.

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