CDN DIGITAL FILE PHOTO
CEBU CITY, Philippines—As things gradually return to normal, local health officials in Central Visayas (Region 7) brace for possible increase of firecracker-related injuries.
The regional Department of Health (DOH-7) is preparing for the upcoming Holiday season, particularly for any eventualities that may arise during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, DOH-7 said they are anticipating for more cases of firecracker-related injuries as gatherings and celebrations resume following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Karun, bantayanon gyud kay it’s the third year from the pandemic. Nabagohan ta nga nalibre na atong lihok. Bagohan ta kay wa kagamit ug firecrackers. Basin makalitan atong kaigsuunan, magbantay lang gyud ta kanunay,” said Dr. Jaime Bernadas, DOH-7 director.
Dr. Shelby Blanco, chief of DOH-7’s Health Emergency Management Services (HEMS), said they will raise Code White in the entire region beginning Friday, December 16.
“Code White alert will start on December 16 and until January 5. This means we will place all health facilities, down to the LGUs (local government units) and RHUs (Rural Health Units) to prepare for any possible emergencies parte sa panglawas,” said Blanco.
In 2021, DOH-7 recorded at least 24 cases of firecracker-related injuries in the region.
While they have observed a downward trend in the number since 2016, health officials forecasted it may rise due to relaxed protocols.
“As much as we don’t want an increase in the number of cases, but we are expecting it to increase. Daghan na ug tapok-tapok, daghan na ug parties in different areas,” said Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, head of the Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit in Central Visayas (RESU-7).
According to DOH-7 officials, most of the individuals who got injured happened to be youth using banned firecrackers like flying tiger, kwitis, lantakan, hotdog, and triangle.
Bernadas also said the cases involved individuals who lit the firecrackers themselves or picked them off the street, believing they will not explode again.
“We are still pushing for a total ban in the use of firecrackers just like we are pushing for (the observance) of minimum health standards,” said Bernadas.
/bmjo
READ MORE:
Firecrackers still banned in Mandaue?