Health officials in the Cordillera region are advising the public to wear face masks in crowded places — especially cemeteries — as people prepare for the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on Nov. 1 and 2.
Department of Health–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) Director Amelita Pangilinan warned that large crowds could increase the risk of infection.
“We encourage the public to wear their face masks to avoid getting infected, especially with a lot of people bumping into each other at the cemetery,” she said.
The Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, during its “Oplan Undas” meeting, also raised concern over rising cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI), coinciding with the onset of the cool, dry Amihan season.
Pangilinan reminded the public that wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and maintaining a strong immune system are still the best defenses against flu and similar infections.
Baguio City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes also advised residents to wear warm clothing and get vaccinated against flu, emphasizing proper hand hygiene before meals, after using the restroom, and during household chores.
From Jan. 1 to Oct. 25, Baguio City recorded 2,947 ILI cases, based on City Health Services Office data. Reports showed that infections began rising in late July, peaking in September before slightly dipping in October.
Health officials noted, however, that October data remain preliminary due to reporting delays.