AWARE of the dangers posed by exploding firecrackers and defective pyrotechnic devices, the Department of Health (DOH) has called on the people not to welcome 2021 with a bang.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, concurrently spokesperson of the DOH, issued the call and warning three days before the so-called “New Year Revelry” Thursday night.
The highly-articulate and workaholic Vergeire also announced the drop in the number of firecracker-related injuries across the country, with only 10 cases listed from December 21 to 26.
The figure was lower by 15 cases compared to last year, according to the DOH undersecretary. And note that there were no severe injuries.
Undersecretary Vergeire expressed the hope that the number of firecracker-related incidents will no longer increase so as not to add burden to the country’s health and hospital facilities.
But the DOH official assured the public that the country has enough facilities to address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the possible increase in firecracker-related incidents.
The DOH, through concerned agencies, is closely monitoring all public health facilities to ensure that they are prepared to meet the medical needs of the people during these trying times.
Of course, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police and local government units are ready to enforce the country’s laws, rules and regulations.
Particularly those that are aimed at ensuring the health, safety and welfare of the Filipino people during the Holiday Season.
Perhaps, the stage is once more open for the ventilation on the pluses of banning the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices as proposed by many sectors across the country.
