DOH: Firecracker injuries rise to 153, still safer than pre-pandemic

As of January 2, the Department of Health (DOH) reported an additional 63 firecracker-related injuries, bringing the total to 153.

Compared to 2020, this year's cases were 32% higher but 61% lower than the five-year average.

All cases involved fireworks injuries; no deaths or ingestion cases were reported.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III previously announced an 11% decrease in firework-related injuries on January 1 compared to 2021, with 85 cases this year versus 96 last year.

The DOH emphasized the importance of safety amid rising COVID-19 cases due to holiday mobility.