CEBU CITY -- The concert that was attended by thousands of people here on Saturday night, March 26, drew mixed reactions from authorities.

Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, chief pathologist of the Department of Health-Central Visayas, described the “Arat na Cebu” concert held at the Cebu City Sports Center as worrisome as it may cause Covid-19 infections to rise.

“The concert that brought in a huge crowd is worrisome in a way that it can be a super spreader event especially if the concert goers did not wear their face masks properly and there were unvaccinated individuals too,” said Loreche.

According to the police’s estimate, at least 100,000 concert-goers, mostly young adults, packed the CCSC’s grandstand and football field.

Loreche said some measures have to be imposed strictly when holding such an event.

“We appeal to our politicians if possible, to have their organizers ensure that the venue is open space or if enclosed, ventilation and air changes is very good for air circulation, as well as promoting the close adherence to our minimum public health measures,” said Loreche. “Since physical distance is unlikely, at least proper use of face masks by the attendees should be observed at all times.”

Re-electionist City Mayor Michael Rama showed up in the concert and briefly talked to the crowd.

Rama defended his decision to allow the holding of the concert.

“There is no other way now but to rise up and move forward. The declaration I made was already there. Gawas na ang tanan, abli na ang tanan. Amping lang ug pag amping lang (Everyone can now go out, everything’s opened. Just be very careful),” said Rama.

Rama said allowing such an event is part of the city’s recovery efforts.

“As we have declared before, our road to recovery will proceed without let-up. The prize of freedom can only be felt through our shared responsibility,” Rama said.

For retired Gen. Mel Feleciano, Inter-Agency Tasks Force Chief Implementer, said the concert was a “glimpse of new normal.”

“The Saturday night concert shows us a glimpse of the new normal, wherein we may enjoy the things we used to whilst adhering to the right behavior. As we move forward from the health crisis of the pandemic, we continue to learn to adapt,” Feliciano said.

Feliciano said the city is already allowed to hold such an event as it is already under Alert Level 1.

Concerts held in open-air venues have lower risk of Covid-19 spread, Feliciano said.

“Gatherings are safe for as long as the minimum health standard is followed and the event is held in an open-air venue. This ‘new normal’ is only a prelude to Mayor Michael Rama’s aspiration to move to the “real normal”, we can expect more large gatherings and events to happen. However, we must remember that protection is a shared responsibility and everyone must take accountability for their actions,” added Feliciano.