THE Zamboanga City Government has decided to cancel additional events in line with the celebration of the 83rd Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga following the latest advisory from the Department of Health (DOH) on the conduct of concerts and other public events and gatherings following the threat on the dreaded 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Canceled are the SB19 Get in the Zone Concert on February 15, Drum and Lyre Competition on February 21, Zamboanga Music Runvolution on February 25, Field Demo Competition on February 26 and the Grand Civic Military Parade on February 26.
The following events will continue - Zamboanga Love Fest from February 10 to 14, Casamiento del Pueblo on February 19, all sports events (multiple dates and venues) and the Dia de Zamboanga Job Fair on February 27 to 28, City Special Events Team head Christian Olasiman revealed.
For the Zamboanga Hiphop Dance Competition and Zamboanga Cheerdance Competition on February 24 at the City Coliseum, the event will only be limited to participating schools and dance crews, according to Olasiman.
Earlier, he said that 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 February 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 2019-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. (SunStar Zamboanga)