Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has banned public gatherings and community celebrations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in upcoming fiestas and holidays.
Belmonte issued an order dated Jan. 12 prohibiting activities that could draw crowds such as processions, parades, Santacruzan, fairs, variety shows, fireworks displays, and “Ati-Atihan.”
Public games, contests, group contact sports, public buffets, and boodle fights are also banned, according to the mayor.
“Persons may only drink at home or inside restaurants or establishments, subject to health protocols,” she said.
The city government said that videoke sessions, traditional “open door” fiesta celebrations, and “any other non-essential or non-work gatherings” are also not allowed.
According to Belmonte, they will only give green light to modest celebrations inside the home and among the immediate members of the family or close acquaintances, but “subject to social distancing and other applicable health protocols.”
“As for the coming Chinese New Year…the conduct of Dragon Dance or Lion Dance activities shall be allowed provided that the same shall be held in one designated area only, like the stage of a mall, with the audience seated and socially distanced, with mask and face shield,” the city government said.
Belmonte called on her constituents to “sacrifice for now” by letting go of the activities that they usually do during holidays for their own safety.
The city government warned that violators may be penalized under Republic Act No. 11332 or the Notifiable Diseases Act as well as various city ordinances.
