Little sacrifice for our safety this holiday season
KOTA KINABALU: With Christmas and New Year celebrations just around the corner, Filipinos in Sabah are reminded to observe the occasions privately and solemnly.
Filipino leaders from Sabah and Labuan said this year the community should celebrate Christmas meaningfully and more time with the families.
By doing so, they said the community will be able to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus among the Filipinos and Malaysians, particularly Sabahans.
Labuan-based OFW (overseas Filipino worker) Anthony Tompong said this is not the right time to celebrate Christmas and New Year the way we used to do previously.
“Let’s avoid camaraderie, karaoke singing, and other group activities when celebrating the Yultide season,” he said.
According to him, such activities create high risks of Covid-19 transmission.
“For health reason, I personally advise revellers to celebrate Christmas and the New Year solemnly and meaningfully,” he reiterated.
A study by Aerosol Science and Technology recently revealed that loud singing increases viral particle spread by 448 percent compared to normal talking.
Singing, shouting, or talking in big crowd emit more respiratory droplets.
Rizaldy Solis also working in Labuan, urged fellow countrymen to exercise caution when celebrating Christmas and New Year this month.
“It is a given fact that we Filipinos celebrate both auspicious occasions with a ‘big bang’... But please do not do it this year because the threat of the life-threatening virus is still real,” Rizaldy stressed.
Sandakan-based Dakota Shipping CEO Juvy Tulipas said lives of Filipinos and Sabahans are badly affected by the pandemic and prolonging the the situation will only bring more sufferings to the people.
Hence, she also urged the Filipino comunity in Sabah and elsewhere in the country to cooperate with both the Federal and State governments in the fight against Covid-19.
“Strictly adhere to the minimum health protocols this month, especially when celebrating Christmas and New Year.”
Juvy said the best Yultide gift that we can give to our brothers and sisters is to put a full stop of the transmission of Covid-19.
“For a change, let us opt to have a solemn celebration with joyful Christmas songs from our favourite artists played on radios or online music platforms,” Juvy opined.
Erico Bautista from Penampang said Filipino parents should also refrain bringing their children to shopping malls, public markets and grocery shops.
“Parents should also remind their elderly members to stay at home,” he stressed.
The only way to protect children and senior citizens from the life threatening virus is to isolate them, Eric added.