As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts more traditions, Filipinos were urged to bring another holiday favorite online: Christmas caroling.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday suggested that Christmas caroling be done online following a proposal to ban the street activity due to the pandemic.
"Kung magkakaroon ng caroling siguro online na lang," Año told TeleRadyo. "Pero 'yung personal at saka face to face ay sa ngayon hindi pa muna nararapat dahil hindi pa natin nafa-flatten ang curve."
MORE ON CHRISTMAS CAROLING:
Proposed Christmas Caroling Ban to be Discussed by Pandemic Task Force
Singing Loudly Heightens Risk of Virus Spread, Says DOH
Earlier, the Department of Health urged the public to skip the holiday tradition of street caroling to reduce the likelihood of a spike in COVID-19 transmissions.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire cautioned against the activity, citing a study that shows loud singing can contribute to the spread of the virus.
"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 on Monday.
The proposal to ban Christmas caroling came as the government continued to loosen virus restrictions in time for the holiday season.
