Charles Teves
There is without question that Filipinos love singing. You see it everywhere, from your neighbor to television programs.
Some say a Filipino house isn’t complete without a Karaoke machine. Karaoke singing is a common activity and pastime in Filipino culture. It is expected that more and more karaoke sessions will happen since the holidays are just right around the corner.
But the Department of Health (DOH) is advising the public to refrain from participating in the activity as singing can actually increase the risk of catching COVID-19.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire cited a study that suggests singing, compared to talking and breathing, releases a higher load of viral transmission.
“Nakita rito sa pagaaral na kapag ikaw ay kumakanta ito ang pinakamataas ang load ng virus na pwede mong mai-transmit so siyempre ‘pag may mga ganitong ebidensya, ang Department of Health po sinasabi natin hindi natin mairerekomenda na itong videoke ay buksan,” Vergeire said during a Laging Handa public briefing.
Family members who live together can however have fun with karaoke singing.
“Sa mga pami-pamilya lang na hindi naman lumalabas maaring payagan. ‘Yung malawakan, party ng mga kaibigan ay dapat iwasan po muna natin ito,” Vergeire added.
To prevent further spreading of the deadly disease, the DOH previously advocated for virtual Christmas parties.
The DOH recorded 2,442 new COVID-19 cases last Sunday, bringing the total number to 396,395 nationwide.
The agency announced 11,430 new recoveries, raising that number to a total of 361,638. But 74 more died from the virus, bringing the death toll to 7,539.
Meanwhile, there are around 11,423 OFWs infected with COVID-19.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday announced that three OFWs in the Asia-Pacific region were recently tagged as recovered cases.
The number OFWs who died from COVID-19 complications is currenty at 828.
07 November 2020
Today, the DFA reports 6 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, no new fatality, and 3 new recoveries among our nationals in Asia and the Pacific.
Compared to last week’s percentages, the total number of those under treatment saw a slight increase to 28.26%. pic.twitter.com/QILiq9Sn5Q
— DFA Philippines (@DFAPHL) November 7, 2020
