MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health on Friday reported 30 cases of firecracker-related injuries in the past week as Filipinos prepare to usher in 2022 after another year of battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the DOH, over a third of the cases occurred in Western Visayas.
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The injury count from December 21 to 31 was 76% higher than the same period last year, when the agency recorded 17 cases.
But the figure was 66% lower than the five-year average of 89 cases during the same time period.
“There was no fireworks ingestion, stray bullet injury, or death reported this year,” the DOH said, adding 83% of the firecracker-related injuries were caused by illegal fireworks such as Boga.
The department urged Filipinos to do safer alternatives such as participating in community fireworks displays at a safe distance or virtually, and using other noise and light-producing devices such as sound systems, bells, pans or tambourines.
“As we welcome the New Year, let us be mindful that we are still facing the threat of COVID-19 and our best defense against transmission are the minimum public health standards… Let us help keep everyone safe from any injuries and from COVID-19 as we welcome 2022,” the DOH said.
The Philippines ended the year with 2,961 new infections, bringing the number of active cases to 14,233. — Gaea Katreena Cabico