Mayor Sara Z. Duterte canceled all the major activities of the coming 83rd Araw ng Dabaw in March due to 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) threat.
In a press briefing here, Duterte said she wanted to ensure that Dabawenyos remain free from the virus, noting the city’s health care facilities have their limits.
“We cannot possibly carry hundreds of sick individuals all at the same time. Because of these limitations, our plan for us Dabawenyos is to ensure that we do not get the infection,” Mayor Sara said.
She said that the city government has been following guidance from the Department of Health (DOH) and that it has released last Friday (February 7) an advisory on public gatherings.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to cancel the following events of the 83rd Araw ng Dabaw celebration: Pasiugdang Pagsaulog, Reyna Dabawenya, Ginoong Davao, Sayaw Pinoy, Kalingawan sa Sta. Ana, Hudyaka, Mutya ng Dabaw, Pasidungog, Araw ng Empleyado, Kanta Bidabawenyo, Parada Dabawenyo, and the Datu Bago Awards,” the mayor said.
She added that all preparations made for this year will all be implemented in next year’s Araw ng Dabaw celebration.
However, the mayor assured that the ‘Misa Pasasalamat’ will still be conducted and the holidays on March 1 and 16 will still be enjoyed by all Dabawenyos.
“The novel coronavirus situation remains very fluid and there is still no answer when it will be stabilized or its spread across the globe be fully controlled. We have seen an increasing number of people getting the infection worldwide,” Duterte added.
She also called on the public to read all available information about on how to keep one’s self healthy.
“It is important to keep your immune system strong. Avoid crowded places and activities that will propagate the spread of the virus,” Duterte added.
Despite these developments, Mayor Sara reminded the Dabawenyos not to panic and instead report suspected cases to the authorities and seek immediate and appropriate medical help. (PNA)