Gov’t to public: Avoid firecracker injuries to minimize COVID risks in hospitals

LOOK: All 17 mayors of Metro Manila unanimously approve the MMDA's Resolution banning individual and household use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices during general community quarantine. https://t.co/sDo55hwVGt pic.twitter.com/SpWhD6kqdD

— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) December 30, 2020

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 30) — Government officials are reminding the public to stay at home and refrain from using firecrackers, not only to avoid injuries, but also to prevent risks of being infected with COVID-19 in hospitals during New Year revelries.

Health Undersecretary and treatment czar Leopoldo Vega reiterated at Wednesday’s Laging Handa briefing that officials project a downtrend in firecracker-related injuries this year, in line with the national government’s efforts to promote safer celebrations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

He then reminded the public to refrain from using firecrackers, so as not to overstrain hospitals primarily responding to COVID-19 cases.

“Iwasan talaga ang paputok, lalung-lalo na kung magka-injuries dito sa paputok, lalong mag- oovercrowd ang emergency hospitals,” Vega said. “Alam naman natin ngayon, mahirap sa hospitals naka-divide yung COVID and non-COVID, baka naman maexpose iyong pasyente.”

[Translation: Let’s really veer away from using fireworks, especially since firecracker-related injuries may overcrowd emergency hospitals. We already know that hospitals have been dividing COVID and non-COVID cases, patients might be exposed.”

Only authorized community fireworks allowed

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Jojo Garcia said in the same government briefing that community fireworks are still allowed in Metro Manila, amid the ongoing ban in using firecrackers and fireworks in the region.

Garcia said lighting of illegal fireworks in individual households will face corresponding penalties. However, community-organized fireworks will need to secure permits with the Philippine National Police.

“Iyong iba pong gustong mag-apply pa, sa PNP po sila mag-apply. Pero iyong mga house-to-house fireworks, iyan po ang iniiwasan natin kasi napaka-delikado niyan,” Garcia said.

[Translation: Those who want to apply may do so with the PNP. But house-to-house fireworks are not allowed anymore because these are dangerous.]

He also called for less firecracker injuries this year to help health workers already responding to COVID cases.

“Hindi na nakakatulong iyong mga hospital natin ay magiging busy pa sa mga naputukan (It won’t help anymore if our hospitals would even be busier by attending to firecracker victims).”

Garcia said the Metro Manila Council already passed a resolution on December 28 that strictly enforces a firecracker ban in the whole metropolis.

The Health department previously observed a decrease in cases of firecrackers injuries during the holiday season. The agency reported 191 cases in 2018, down 77% from 2017.

The public is also discouraged from using “torotot” (horns), whistles, or other instruments that will allow the transfer of saliva from one surface to another while welcoming the New Year. Instead, use other noise-making materials that will not require one to take off his face mask.

READ: Skip New Year torotot, whistles amid pandemic — DOH