The Iloilo City Government has decided to put on hold the staging of the Paraw Regatta Festival due to the threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD).
Originally scheduled on Feb. 23 – March 1, 2020, the festival is considered the oldest traditional craft event in Asia and the largest sailing event in the Philippines.
Mayor Jerry Treñas announced the postponement of the festival and other big events scheduled in the city this month on Wednesday morning, Feb. 5.
Treñas said he came up with the decision after he consulted the Department of Health, City Health Office, Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), and other sectors.
“We could probably have it in March if the situation will be better in the next few days,” the mayor said.
The mayor asked for understanding from the public.
“This is for everyone’s safety as we protect our Ilonggo people from the nCoV scare,” Treñas explained.
Based on data from the health department, there are two persons under investigation (PUI) for possible coronavirus infection in the city.
In a press conference on Monday, Jan. 3, Dr. Jane Juanico, head of the Infectious Disease Cluster of the DOH-Center of Health Development, said one of the PUIs in the city tested negative for the deadly coronavirus.
The confirmatory result of the other PUI is still pending, according to Juanico.
With no confirmed cases, the Western Visayas region remains free from the fast-spreading coronavirus.IMT
