Singing Loudly Heightens Risk of Virus Spread, Says DOH

The public is urged to skip the holiday tradition of street caroling to reduce the likelihood of a spike in COVID-19 transmissions, the health department said on Monday.

Though the country's task force against COVID-19 has yet to issue an order that bans caroling, Health Usec. Rosario Vergeire cautioned against the activity.

"May lumabas po na isang study over this past week nakalagay po doon na 'yun pong pagkanta nang malalakas, it is the topmost activity that can yield mas madaming virus," she told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

(A study was released this past week that states singing loudly is the topmost activity that can yield the most virus.)

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"That being said, wag na muna sana ang ganitong (let's avoid this kind of) activities so that we can prevent further increasing the transmission of infection."

Vergeire also called on the public to observe health protocols such as wearing of face masks and shields, freqeunt disinfection, and proper social distancing even around loved ones and relatives.

The department cautioned against holding parties and mass gatherings at homes with families as this could contribute to the spread of the virus. Karaoke and videoke sessions are also discouraged.