Roman Catholic devotees wearing face masks, face shields and observing social distancing to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus attend mass on a road near Quiapo church in Manila on January 9, 2021, during the annual celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — The estimated count of devotees during the feast of Black Nazarene remained at over 10,000 on Saturday evening, figures from Manila Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) showed.
As of 6 p.m., the MDRRMO said over 9,990 people flocked to Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo Church while 150 devotees were present in Sta. Cruz church.
Zero devotees were documented in the San Sebastian Church and the Nazarene Catholic School.
This year, the local government canceled the grand procession of Black Nazarene to prevent a chain of COVID-19 infections in the community. Instead, 15 masses were held to celebrate the feast of Black Nazarene.
Quiapo Church will only accept up to 400 devotees for each mass to make sure social distancing is followed.