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CORONAVIRUS infections remained low in the country, and new cases remained below 1,500 for the third consecutive day on Thursday, December 10, 2020.
The Department of Health (DOH), in its case report at 4 p.m. Thursday, reported 1,383 new infections, the lowest in the last six days from December 5 to 10.
As infections remained low, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III suggested alternative Christmas gifts to help prevent transmission of Covid-19.
“The number of new daily Covid-19 cases may be on a downward trend, but we must not let our guard down, especially now that the holidays are upon us,” Duque said.
“When planning Christmas gift giving, think about Christmas gift ties, which gifts can make them safe. One thing we recommend is face masks that can serve as a constant reminder for the recipient to wear one, ”he added.
Thursday’s new infections raised the total count of coronavirus cases in the Philippines to 445,540. Of this number, 27,781 or 6.2 percent were active cases.
The highest number of new cases was registered in Quezon City (83), Laguna (75), Manila (68), Bulacan (65) and Davao City (61).
There were an additional 24 patients who died from the coronavirus disease in 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the death toll to 8,701. The fatality rate remained at 1.95 percent.
The DOH case bulletin also showed 133 recoveries, bringing the total to 409,058 or 91.8 percent of the total case count.
With cases trending downward, DOH has been keeping up with its daily reminders to observe minimum public health standards such as physical distancing and the use of masks and face shields.
In addition to masks and face shields that can be given as Christmas gifts, Duque suggested healthy foods and fruits, and exercise equipment / appliances that promote physical activity and help improve the body’s endurance.
The agency also encouraged DIY giveaways to limit store purchases.
“This Christmas, let’s get creative in giving our loved ones gifts that promote a healthy lifestyle or that can help improve their health,” Duque said.
He said DIY gifts make gift-giving more personal and reduce the risk of transmission by preventing people from going to crowded places.
Duque said that “a safer holiday celebration” is the best gift this Christmas. (Marites Villamor-Ilano / SunStar Philippines)
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