The local government of Manila on Thursday, January 4, encouraged the public to wear face masks as a safety precaution during the Black Nazarene's annual grand procession.
Speaking before reporters in a joint press briefing, Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna said they aim to thwart the possible rise of COVID-19 cases.
"Although controlled naman po [ang COVID-19], kahit dito sa lungsod ng Maynila [ay] hindi gano'n kataas ang mga nagpopositibo. Pero para maiwasan natin ang kahit anong surge, kami ay nanawaganan na kung talagang gusto natin na magtuloy-tuloy ang ating Translacion 2024 ay sana makipag-cooperate kayo sa amin," she said.
"Ito ay hindi para sa inyong sariling kaligtasan kundi para sa kaligtasan ng ibang tutungo dito para sa pista ng Noong Nazareno," Lacuna added.
The Manila City mayor said they are not mandating the face mask since this policy has been lifted for quite some time now.
"In-encourage namin. Wala naman talagang mask mandate talaga. Hindi natin mapupwersa yung mga magpuprosisyon. Talagang nakikiusap para sa kaligtasan nila at kaligtasan ng mga magpuprosisyon," she said.
Lacuna said they expect nearly two million devotees participating the Black Nazarene's feast day.
The Manila City mayor said a social distancing would also be implemented during masses in the Quiapo Church as well as in the Quirino Grandstand.
"Kagaya nung dating pinatutupad noong may pandemya po, one meter iyan. May LED walls para sa mga hindi makakapasok sa loob ng simbahan," she said.
Meanwhile, Lacuna said she would issue an executive order banning liquor, fireworks, and firearms.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) would enforce a Philippine National Police (PNP) a no-fly zone and signal jamming during the feast day, as confirmed by PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr.
