MANILA, Philippines — Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has banned all activities for the celebration of Chinese New Year in the city.
Moreno issued Executive Order (EO) no. 4, series of 2021, which stated “no dragon dance, street party, stage show, parade or any other similar activity will be held for the celebration of the Chinese New Year from Feb. 11 to 12.”
He also banned the sale of liquor in Binondo on said dates.
Boosting public confidence in the government’s upcoming COVID-19 vaccination operations, Moreno added that the vaccine is the key for people to return to work and open the economy.
“I want the people to return to work, to comfortably ride in public transportation, open all the businesses, let the jobless move and the children to go back to school. COVID-19 vaccination is the key to the opening of the economy,” Moreno said.
Moreno canceled the festivities “in order not to put in vain all initiatives the city had already undertaken the entire duration of this pandemic.”
He said the cancellation is more compelling due to the threat of the more infectious UK variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Aside from these measures, the city government has also prohibited the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices during the celebration to ensure public safety.
Moreno also reminded his constituents to comply with City Ordinance No. 5555, which prohibits serving or drinking of alcoholic beverages in public areas, particularly on streets and sidewalks.
“All barangay officials of the city are hereby directed to take the necessary measures to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of this executive order,” Moreno said.