MANILA, Philippines --- All activities for the celebration of the Chinese New Year in Manila, home to the famous Chinatown district Binondo, are canceled due to Covid-19 pandemic, Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said Friday.

Executive Order No. 4 series of 2021 from the city government of Manila states that no dragon dance, street party, stage show, parade or any other similar activity will be held for the celebration of Chinese New Year from February 11 to 12.

Selling liquor and other alcoholic beverages within the city's Binondo Chinatown area have also been banned during the celebration, according to the mayor.

He said the festivities were canceled "in order not to put in vain all initiatives the city had already undertaken the entire duration of this pandemic."

"The activities during the (Chinese) New Year celebration, if not canceled, can be surely an easy medium of Covid-19 spread and transmission, thereby endangering the health, well-being and safety not only of residents but also their visitors who will join them in the celebration," Moreno said in a statement.

The cancellation, he added, is more compelling due to the threat of the more infectious UK variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.

Aside from these measures, the city government has likewise, prohibited the use of firecracker and pyrotechnic devices during the celebration to ensure the safety of the public.

Moreno also reminded his constituents to comply with the City Ordinance No. 5555, which prohibits serving or drinking of alcoholic beverages in public areas, particularly in streets and sidewalks.

"All barangay officials of the city are hereby directed to take the necessary measures to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of this executive order," the mayor said.

JPV

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