A VIRUS has halted the 25th celebration of the Baguio Flower Festival [BFF].
Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong has cancelled the biggest festival north of Luzon following the confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (Covid–19) in the country.
Magalong announced Monday, March 9, the cancellation of the annual Panagbenga as well as the suspension of operations at the night market at Harrison Road and the Sunday closure of Session road.
Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Incorporated chief of staff Evangeline Payno said “we realize that this is the best way to respond to this and we enjoin the tourism community to disseminate information.”
Payno said all activities of the 2020 Flower Festival such as the opening day parade of elementary, grand street and float parade as well as the Session Road in Bloom and the closing ceremonies have been shelved.
Payno added refunds will be given to those who have paid for slots and sponsorship packages for the festival.
Magalong, meanwhile, appealed to event organizers to consider suspending scheduled events for the next 14 days.
On Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported four new confirmed cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 20.
Samples from all the new confirmed cases were tested on March 7, and all results were released on March 8.
DOH-Cordillera said those being tracked in Pangasinan is also being anticipated as fears grow.
DOH is currently investigating all the cases and gathering patients’ information from respective hospitals and currently in coordination with concerned local government units and the centers for health development for localized response and implementation of infection prevention and control measures.
The Department of Education likewise suspended all scheduled national and regional events involving students from different localities, such as the regional meets, until further notice.