ALTHOUGH new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) numbers in the country are down, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday advised Filipinos to be prudent and avoid going back to their customs and practices during the coming observance of Holy Week
In an online press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire advised the public against kissing religious images as it could result to the transmission of the deadly virus.
“COVID-19 can be transmitted through droplet infection. It can be passed on when we kiss an image that was also kissed by other people. This could be a means of transmitting the virus,” said Vergeire. “We hope this practice will be avoided so that we can prevent seeing a possible spike in cases.”
She also discouraged penitents to forego their plans to have themselves nailed to the cross, saying this can cause grave harm, such as tetanus and blood loss.
“When we get nailed to the cross, there is that threat of tetanus from the nails. It may also result to infections on the wounds. Also, this may cause massive blood loss if we hit sensitive nerves,” she said.
“We request and advise everyone that, if it can be avoided, let us look for other ways to worship the Lord. We don’t need to inflict harm on ourselves,” added Vergeire.
Filipinos are set to observe the Holy Week next week, with Catholics expected to resume their practice of Visita Iglesia or visiting churches. There are also penitents who opt to have themselves nailed to the cross to repent for their sins.
