THE local government is discouraging parties and other large gatherings this yuletide season in light of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Tuesday, November 24, that parties and celebrations are very risky and asked residents to reconsider their holiday plans in the spirit of protecting lives and curbing coronavirus infections.

To serve as an example, Salazar announced that the City Government will not have Christmas parties.

The mayor said that offices and workers have also been directed to strictly abide with workplace safety protocols, including prohibition of eating together.

Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, City Health Office chief, said there are 3,244 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 136 deaths in the city as of Monday, November 23.

Miravite said they have recorded 2,866 recoveries and of the total, 242 are active cases.

Meanwhile, she said there will be no actual switch-on activities for City Hall lights and decorations.

Instead, this will be held virtually through online channels on December 1. (SunStar Zamboanga)