Holy Week activities in Manila suspended

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno declared that all activities regarding the coming Semana Santa (Holy Week) will be banned as a precaution against the increase of COVID-19 in the city.

“Yung nagpapalo sa likod, nagbubuhat ng krus na naggi-generate ng mga tao, yung Visita Iglesia, wala rin ‘yan,” the mayor said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

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In a statement, the mayor said he did not want to gamble on another opportunity that could put people at risk.

“Patawarin niyo po muna ako, ngunit kailangan po nating gawin ito. Hanggang hindi po natin napapababang muli ang mga kaso ng COVID-19 sa ating lungsod ay hindi muna tayo magpapahintulot ng anumang aktibidad,” said Moreno.

He encouraged the people to pray at home for now and ask for God’s mercy so that the pandemic would end.

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Reporting to the Manileños, Moreno said there are 356 new COVID-19 cases in Manila to climb to 2,155 of their active cases.

Also read: DOH eyes ‘circuit breaker lockdown’ instead of ECQ for Metro Manila

Holy Week activities in Manila suspended

A total of 847 people died after an additional three. Those who recovered, increased by 297 for a total of 29, 585.

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According to Moreno, they have already used 93 percent of the quarantine facilities so it is possible that they will no longer be able to accept patients with COVID-19 but have no symptoms.

Barangays 107, 147, 256, 262, 297, 350, 385, 513, 519, 624, 696, and 831 will be subjected to lockdown.

Street lockdown will be held at Kusang Loob St. in Sta. Cruz in Brgy. 353, and the NYK Fil-Ship Management Bldg. in Brgy. 658.

The lockdown will begin on Monday which will last until Thursday.

He urged the residents of the lockdown areas to unite and the mayor also assured that the city will provide assistance for their food.

Moreno said he was reluctant to enforce the lockdown but he had to do it to protect other communities.

“Kaya maasim man ang suka’y kailangan kong inumin. Kailangan nating gawin para maproteksyonan pa ang higit na nakararami,” the Manila mayor said.

The Philippines recorded another record-high of 7,103 COVID-19 cases this Friday. In addition, five other laboratories failed to submit their data.