As Holy Week nears, DOH tells public to refrain from kissing statues (Sabong News)

Fearing a possible Covid-19 surge due to Holy Week practices, the Department of Health (DOH) has told the public not to kiss statues of saints as the dreaded disease can be transmitted through droplet infection. With this, DOH Spokesperson Maria Rosario S. Vergeire has asked churches to prohibit such practices that may imperil the lives of the public. “Sana po itong practice na ito ay maiwasan para hindi na po tayo magkaroon ng pagtaas ng kaso dahil sa practice na ito (I hope we would refrain from this practice in order for us not to experience a Covid-19 surge),” she said. While the agency acknowledges the freedom of the public to practice their religious belief, Vegeire said there are other ways for them to express their devotions. “Covid-19 can be transmitted through droplet infection that may be passed by kissing a religious statue. The virus may enter your nose and mouth by doing such,” she said in Filipino on Tuesday, April 5. As some Filipinos practice crucifixion during Holy Week, the Health department warned the public of the dangers that entail such devotion. Vergeire said people who practice such may get tetanus infection and suffer blood loss due to the wire nails that will be used for the crucifixion. “We can worship God in other ways and not inflict harm to ourselves,” she stressed. Holy Week will be observed from April 10 to 16.