Independence Day rites at Rizal Park limited to 10 people

With only a handful of participants, the gathering at Rizal Park in Manila on June 12 to celebrate the country’s 122nd anniversary of independence is perhaps the smallest ever.The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has allowed the celebration of Independence Day but “this is limited to 10 people only,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Tuesday.

It was still unclear if President Rodrigo Duterte would fly from Davao City to take part in Independence Day rites in the capital.

Mass gatherings have been prohibited since mid-March as a precaution against the spread of the new coronavirus. The restriction has led to a temporary ban on religious activities, classes, conventions, sports and entertainment events.

No gambling, too

Establishments are also prohibited from operating at full capacity.

To the chagrin of bettors, gambling events that involve crowds are still banned in areas under community quarantine. Horse racing and cockfights are still not allowed, Roque added.

Neither are amusement, gaming, fitness, kids and tourism-related businesses allowed to operate in Metro Manila and other areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Outdoor noncontact sports and exercises, such as walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, range shooting and skateboarding, are allowed in GCQ areas though, but subject to minimum health standards.

Mass gatherings, such as movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, religious services and work conferences, are allowed in modified GCQ areas but only at 50 percent of the venue’s capacity.

The IATF will meet on Wednesday to review the COVID-19 community classification after June 15 and make a recommendation to the President. INQ