Family gatherings are common during the Christmas season, especially in the Philippines which kicks off preparations when the “Ber” months begin.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way families celebrate.

The Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine National Police (PNP) continuously issue advisories that gatherings are allowed only if it is within the family’s bubble.

Inviting people outside the bubble increases the risk of Covid-19 transmission, the DOH repeatedly reminds.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar also said in a video message to reporters on Sunday that although they are aware of Filipinos’ penchant for celebrations, it is not yet time to be complacent.

“Your Philippine National Police is aware of the traditions and some of us may be encouraged by the continuous drop in Covid-19 cases in our country,” Eleazar said in Filipino. “But we advise the public to postpone it first or make it limited to your own homes because instead of trick or treating (on October 31), it may end up with a trip and treatment to the hospital when the children become infected and they don’t have any vaccine yet.”

Eleazar also warned establishments to follow protocols or else, their businesses could be closed down.

Metro Manila is under Alert Level 3 until October 31, with 30-percent indoor capacity allowed for those who are fully vaccinated and 50 percent outdoor capacity regardless of vaccination status.

The government said Alert Level 2 is possible if Covid-19 infections will continue to decrease.

As of Saturday, there are 63,051 active cases, a marked improvement from the previous two months when the numbers exceeded 100,000.

“On the part of the PNP, we will continuously make our presence felt in the communities to ensure that minimum public health safety guidelines are observed and eventually lead to further reduction of Covid-19 cases in the country,” Eleazar said. (PNA)