CONCERTS and conventions and other mass gatherings will be banned in Metro Manila for the duration of its 30-day community quarantine, which will start on Sunday.
“The government is also strictly prohibiting mass gatherings during this period. These include concerts, large seminars and conventions, sporting events and social gatherings,” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said during a news briefing in Malacañang on Friday morning.
Nograles said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) made the recommendation as part of government efforts to slowdown the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Metro Manila.
As of press time, he said they will still decide if the prohibition will also include worship services, and religious gatherings such as weddings.
The IATF will be releasing its position on the matter, which he said, he hopes will be complied with by.
“We know this will be a big adjustment for us here in Metro Manila. But we ask everyone to cooperate because the consequences of allowing these gatherings during this crucial time could be more painful in the long run,” Nograles said.
“The cooperation of everyone is a crucial component of our campaign to beat this disease; if we remain calm, continue to be vigilant, and take the necessary precautions,” he added.
As of March 12, the Department of Health (DOH) already registered 52 cases of Covid-19 nationwide.
Church response
BUT even without the IATF position, some dioceses in Metro Manila of the Catholic Church have already canceled masses and religious activities for several days to protect parishioners from possible exposure from Covid-19.
In a pastoral letter, Apostolic Administrator of Manila Broderick Pabillo said there will be Holy Masses and activities in all churches, including the Archdiocese of Manila from March 14 to March 20.
For his part, Cubao Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco decreed the cancellation of all public masses in the diocese of Cubao starting March 14 until further notice.
The Diocese of Pasig also implemented a similar no mass policy, which will start on Saturday and would last for an indefinite period.
Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa said the suspension of masses for the Diocese of Novaliches started on March 13 and will last up to April 14 – the period when the community quarantine for Metro Manila is scheduled to be lifted.
During the period when there will be no live masses. Gaa urged the faithful to participate in Eucharistic celebrations through the radio (Radio Veritas 846AM), television (TVMaria) and social media platform of the Church.
Wedding ban
WEDDINGS will also be generally be prohibited during the community quarantine although Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said it might be allowed if the number of people, who participate would be small enough.
Lopez assured the couples, who would be forced to postpone their weddings due to the community quarantine, could refund their down payments from hotel and restaurants.
“There should be a refund [because the reason for the cancellation] is force majeur,” Lopez explained. He said couples, who will not be granted the refund, can file a complaint to the concerned establishment to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its 1348 hot line.
“DTI will side with them so the establishment will make the refund,” Lopez assured.
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