The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public Filipinos to watch out for dengue-causing mosquitoes while also avoiding fires due to unextinguished candles during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day or ‘Undas.’
DOH released several videos on its social media pages, like one urging the public to wear more protective clothing, avoiding dark colors, and being aware of the time that mosquitoes are more active so that they can avoid mosquito bites.
According to the explainer, it might be better to visit cemeteries at daytime as dengue-carrying mosquitoes are more active two hours after sunrise or 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and two hours before sunset or 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
‘Protektahan ang sarili sa lamok dengue kung magtatagal sa sementeryo. Maraming pugad ng lamok sa mga masukal o mga napabayaang bahagi ng sementeryo,’ the DOH said.
(Protect yourself from dengue-carrying mosquitoes if you would stay for a long time inside cemeteries. There are many areas frequented by mosquitoes in cemeteries like wild grasslands or abandoned areas.)
The DOH likewise stressed that candles should not be left unattended to avoid fire.
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”Wag iwang naka-sindi ang kandila para makaiwas sa sunog. Hindi ligtas ang mga naiwang kandila. Delikado ito dahil: Madali itong matumba at makasiklab ng tuyong dahon at papel; Mas madaling kumalat ang apoy sa open spaces tulad ng sementeryo,’ DOH said.
(Do not leave your candles unattended to avoid fire. Candles that are not extinguished are dangerous. It is dangerous because it can be toppled and ignite dried leaves and paper, and it is easier for fire to spread over open spaces like cemeteries.)
‘Patayin ang apoy ng kandila pagkatapos ito gamitin. Kapag kailangan ng tulong, tumawag sa National Emergency Hotline 911,’ it added.
(Extinguish your candles after using it. If you need help, call the National Emergency Hotline 911.)
Earlier, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said DOH is on a Code White alert status to prepare for possible health-related incidents amid the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
The DOH chief reminded the public, especially those with maintenance medicines, to always bring their pills with them.
Herbosa also called on motorists to be more patient on the road as heavy traffic flow is almost certain along the country’s major roads.
‘It’s very important that you bring your medicines but leave your worries at home,’ he said.
‘If you will drive at this time it is almost sure that there is heavy traffic flow because everyone wants to go home, we would all reach our relatives. Do not rush, give way to others, and practice road courtesy,’ he added. According to Herbosa, they also advise people with influenza-like symptoms to stay at home, and those who cannot really stay indoors to practice proper cough etiquette and frequent hand-washing.