Vice Ganda, Bela Padilla apologize for avoiding selfies with fans to practice ‘social distancing’
Vice Ganda (L) and Bela Padilla. Image: Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin, @bela
Comedian Vice Ganda apologized to his fans for not entertaining photo ops amid the threat of the novel coronavirus in the country. Actress Bela Padilla shared the same sentiment, citing that she needs to protect the people around her as well.
The “It’s Showtime” host explained that he is merely practicing social distancing to avoid potential virus contamination, as stated on his Twitter account yesterday, March 11.
“Pasensya na po talaga sa mga di ko napagbibigyan ng selfie,” he said. “Sana po talaga ay maunawaan ng [lahat] ang Social Distancing para sa ngayon.”
(I’m really sorry that I wasn’t able to entertain taking selfies. I hope we all understand [the need] for social distancing right now.)
Pasensya na po talaga sa mga di ko napagbibigyan ng selfie. Sana po talaga ay maunawaan ng lhat ang Social Distancing para sa ngayon.
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) March 11, 2020
Vice also explained the definition of social distancing as a way of avoiding physical contact on a separate post.
“Social Distancing – Wag muna tayong magdikit dikit [please]. Wala munang yakapan, besohan at magpiktyuran. Pasensya na. Paraan yan para makaiwas tayo pare [pareho] sa COVID-19,” he said.
(Let’s avoid physical contact. No hugging for now, no cheek-to-cheek greetings and no picture-taking. These are ways for us to avoid COVID-19).
Social Distancing – Wag muna tayong magdikit dikit pls. Wala munang yakapan, besohan at magpiktyuran. Pasenya na. Paraan yan para makaiwas tayo pare pateho sa COVID-19.
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) March 11, 2020
Aside from social distancing, the comedian also reminded the public about the proper use of face masks.
“Maraming nakamask pero maling mali ang pag gamit (Many are wearing face masks but are using these incorrectly),” he said. “NEVER TOUCH THE SURFACE OF THE MASK pag tinantanggal ito (when you are taking it off).”
Vice elaborated that the mask should be removed from the side and held on its strings.
“Kung may data ka naman o may wifi PLS GOOGLE bago mag Tiktok (If you have data or Wi-Fi please Google before you Tiktok),” the comedian added.
Siguraduhing alamin ang TAMANG PAGGAMIT NG MASK. Maraming nakamask pero maling mali ang pag gamit. NEVER TOUCH THE SURFACE OF THE MASK pag tinantanggal ito. Yung tali lang sa gilid ang dapat hawakan. Kung may data ka naman o may wifi PLS GOOGLE bago mag Tiktok.
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) March 11, 2020
Meanwhile, Padilla also announced that she will have to refuse any photo request for the time being, as per her Twitter account today, March 12. The actress narrated how a fan approached them while she was at the grocery store with her mother.
“A lady who seemed very kind approached and took her mask off and wanted my mom to take her photo with me,” she said. “I understand the excitement but safety first.”
She then explained that the encounter will be the last time she would “blindly say yes to everybody, for now.”
“I’m sorry, but I need to keep the people around me safe too. This pandemic is real,” the actress explained. “Sadly, the only way we can live our lives as normally as possible is to be extra cautious when we can.”
Yesterday was the last time I’d blindly say yes to everybody, for now 😩 I’m sorry, but I need to keep the people around me safe too. This pandemic is real. Sadly, the only way we can live our lives as normally as possible is to be extra cautious when we can.
— Bela Padilla (@padillabela) March 11, 2020
Aside from social distancing, the Department of Health (DOH) encourages the practice of personal protective measures to avoid the spread of the virus such as proper hand hygiene, proper cough etiquette, avoiding unnecessary travels and postponing mass gatherings. As of yesterday, the tally of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the Philippines is 49. JB
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