The Department of Health has urged the public anew to avoid using firecrackers and opt for alternative noisemakers like horns or “torotot” to welcome the new year, as it tallied 20 fireworks-related injuries recorded in various parts of the country on Monday.
At least 15 new firecracker injuries were listed yesterday, quadrupling the total since the DOH began its injury surveillance report on Dec. 21.
But the Health agency continued to discourage the use of mouth-blown horns as they may still cause the spread of COVID-19 through saliva droplets.
Before the pandemic struck, DOH Region 6 Health Support Division officer in charge Dr. May Ann Sta. Lucia said the Department advocated the use of horns in welcoming the New Year.
“But while we are now under the new normal, with COVID-19 still around, we are discouraging the people from using (horns), as it could cause the spread of the virus,” she said.
While gatherings are allowed under the new normal, Sta. Lucia said that DOH is also encouraging the continued practice of minimum health protocols such as the use of face masks, observing physical distancing, frequent washing of hands, and use of hand sanitizers in New Year parties.
Meanwhile, at least 17 individuals were nabbed by authorities for selling prohibited firecrackers, the Philippine National Police said Monday.
“Some of them were selling through online that is why we are also conducting cyber patrolling,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a televised briefing.
Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to local government units to set up community areas for firework displays for the New Year’s celebration, Fajardo warned individuals who plan to mount their own fireworks displays or use firecrackers outside of these designated places.
Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano said private hospitals all over the country are now on alert for the admission of patients suffering from fireworks-related injuries as the New Year draws near.
Of the total firecracker injuries, three each were recorded in Central Visayas and Soccsksargen while two cases were recorded each in the Ilocos Region, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Davao Region, and the National Capital Region (NCR), the DOH said.
One case each was logged in the Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
The DOH said 19 of the victims or 95 percent were males aged one to 64 years old.
The fireworks involved were boga, kwitis, whistle bomb, 5-star, judas belt, missile, and pop-up, among others.
Boga, an illegal firework usually shaped like a cannon, caused six or 30 percent of the injuries.
Should a person get injured due to fireworks, De Grano said the wound should be immediately cleaned with soap and water. The victim should also be brought to a hospital or health facility.
“Those who will use firecrackers outside of the designated community firework-display areas face a jail term of not lower than 6 months and a fine of P20,000 to P30,000, or both,” she added.
“Our private hospitals are always ready. Of course, we are monitoring the firecracker injuries because these are quite dangerous if not treated immediately,” he said.
“Private hospitals are also on alert like the government facilities,” De Grano said.