Caroling is making a comeback this Christmas, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said Thursday as more restrictions are eased in time for the holiday season.
Caroling is allowed in Alert Level 2 areas, including Metro Manila, DILG spokesperson Usec. Jonathan Malaya said after the holiday tradition was prohibited last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Under Alert 2, caroling is allowed provided that minimum public health standards are strictly followed," he told reportr in a message.
Indoor caroling is limited to 50% of the venue's capacity while outdoor caroling is limited to 70%, Malaya added.
The Department of Health on Wednesday urged local government units to craft specific guidelines for caroling to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
"Risks may be mitigated if conducted outdoors and outside the household, with appropriate distance from observers, at smaller groups to avoid crowding, and not including the vulnerable and older seniors," DOH spokesperson Usec. Rosario Vergeire said.
For those who are apprehensive about street caroling, virtual caroling remains a viable option.
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