The Quiapo Church on Tuesday, Jan. 3, has released the guidelines for the safe conduct of activities related to Nazareno 2023.
Black Nazarene devotees were urged to always practice the minimum public health standard such as the wearing of face masks, observing physical distance, and bringing hand sanitizers during the activities, particularly during the “Walk of Faith” event on Jan. 8 and the “Pagpupugay” event on Jan. 7 to 9, the Quiapo Church officials said in a press briefing.
Those experiencing sore throat, continuous sneezing, coughs, colds, loose bowel movement, body temperature of higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius and blood pressure higher than 130/80 are discouraged from joining the activities.
The public was also advised to bring government issued identification cards for “emergency use.”
People are also not allowed to bring the following:
- Medium size to life-size Nazareno images
- Istandarte/banners
- Carriage or andas
- Firearms and deadly weapons
- Pyrotechnic devices
- Drone camera
- Professional camera and video recorder
- Selfie Sticks
- Large Bags
- Blankets, hampers, storage boxes
- Portable appliances
- LPG and stoves
- Tents, tables, and other picnic items
- Umbrella
- Alcoholic beverages
- Smoking vaping
- Laser pointers
- Large chains, spikes, and other big metal objects
- Scooters, skateboard, skates
- Vehicles, motorcycle, and bicycles (unless you are authorized)
- Heavy metals
- Plastic and glass bottles
- Food sticks
- Pets
- Black plastics
- Jackets
Meanwhile, the Quiapo Church allowed the faithful to bring and wear the following:
- Water canister, sandwiches and other snacks
- Cellphones, registered VHF radio
- Single-hand carried images (two feet and below), rosary, and other small religious relics
- Transparent raincoat/poncho
- Shoes and slippers
- Small cameras
- Wheelchair
- Single-seat, light portable chair
- Small flashlight
- Portable/small candles and match boxes
- Waist bag (subject to inspection)
- Clear plastic garbage bag
Moreover, only authorized individuals are allowed to have all forms of command and emergency vehicle, sound system and bullhorn, UHF/VHF radio, satellite phones, tent, LED billboards, and meals for volunteers.
The devotees are allowed to touch the images of the Black Nazarene during the Pagpupugay event. However, they are not allowed to kiss the images. This event will be held from Jan. 7 to 9 at the Quirino Grandstand.
Meanwhile, the City Government of Manila will impose a liquor ban and class suspension in relation to the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The liquor ban will take effect from Jan. 7 to 9, said Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.
“Opo, maglalabas po kami ng executive order patungkol po sa liquor ban at kasama na din yung sa executive order na pagde-declare na ang January 9 ay wala pong pasok sa Lungsod ng Maynila (Yes, we will issue an executive order regarding liquor ban as well as an executive order declaring class suspension in the City of Manila),” she said.