Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 6) — The Cebu Medical Society has expressed opposition to city government plans of holding Sinulog-related activities amid rising cases of COVID-19.
“We strongly oppose the holding of Sinulog 2021 and other related activities,” CMS President Dr. Minnie Monteclaro said in a statement on Wednesday.
The CMS, which is composed of 15 medical specialist groups in Cebu, noted that the celebration of the Sinulog Festival is a convergence of spectators and performers. These mass gatherings increase the risk of transmitting the virus, thus it is best to stay at home, it added.
Vice Mayor Michael Rama earlier said the Sinulog Festival showdown will be held this year in an open parking space without any audiences on Jan. 17.
The Cebu City Police Office already discouraged the city government from hosting the annual event amid the pandemic. It said the local Inter-Agency Task Force only approved masses at the Basilica Del Santo Niño.
Based on latest data from the Department of Health, COVID-19 infections in Cebu City have reached 11,215, with 177 active cases. Recoveries are at 10,358, while deaths are at 680.
CNN Philippines correspondent Dale Israel contributed to this report.
