With the latest advisory from the Department of Health on the conduct of concerts and other public events and gatherings following the threat on the dreaded novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV, the City Government has decided to cancel additional events in line with the celebration of the 83rd Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga.
Cancelled are the SB19 Get in the Zone Concert on February 15, Drum and Lyre Competition on Feb. 21, Zamboanga Music Runvolution on Feb. 25, Field Demo Competition on Fe. 26 and the Grand Civic Military Parade on Feb. 26.
The following events will continue – Zamboanga Love Fest from Feb 10-14, Casamiento del Pueblo on Feb 19, all sports events (multiple dates & venues) and the Dia de Zamboanga Job Fair on Feb 27-28, City Special Events Team head Christian Olasiman revealed.
For the Zamboanga Hiphop Dance Competition and Zamboanga Cheerdance Competition on Feb 24 at the City Coliseum, the event will only be limited to participating schools and dance crews.
On the other hand, the celebration of the 83rd Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga will be toned down into a simple flag raising activity at City Hall on Feb 26 with local government unit officials and employees.
Olasiman said certain guidelines set by the City Health Office (CHO) will also be implemented for the different events.
Under the guidelines, those who have had travel history to China and other countries with confirmed nCoV cases are advised to undergo self-quarantine at home for 14 days; those feeling sick or not feeling well are advised not to attend any of the activities and just stay home or better yet go to the hospital; and the City has partnered with some pharmaceuticals for the “wet sampling” on the attendees, providing them with hygiene kits.
The Dia de Zamboanga marks the day the first set of city officials led by then appointed Mayor Nicasio Valderoza was sworn into office on Feb. 26, 1937. (Sheila Covarrubias)