Holiday guidelines in Luneta: Online concert first, partying is not allowed

ABS-CBN News Posted at Dec 01 2020 07:21 PM MANILA - It is a tradition for thousands of Filipinos to consider visiting and partying with thousands of people in Rizal Park or Luneta Park in this city every Christmas. But now that there is still a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the National Parks Development Committee of Rizal Park has laid out some health protocols. From December 3, the park will be open from 5 to 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Only then will the park be opened for exercisers. Luneta is also open for Christmas and New Year but it is forbidden to eat and partake here. Health protocols such as wearing a face mask and face shield should also be followed and should be written on health sanitation forms. "We know the source of transmission also really is when people eat, is they bring down their mask," said Cecille Lorenzana-Romero, executive director of NPDC. About 500 people can stay in the park at the same time. It is much smaller than the 30,000 who gather in Luneta. "Maybe you can spend an hour or two, you can leave so people can come in so the flow of people is not just 500 in a day," said Lorenzana-Romero. Luneta has lighting fixtures for guests, including the so-called Christmas lane. There are also guides laid out in the park to make sure people do not stick together, especially when taking pictures. "There are stickers where you will stand, where the phohotographer will take the photo and there is a line," said Lorenzana-Romero. The annual concert held every Christmas and Rizal Day will be held online to ensure that the tradition continues. - Report by Jeff Canoy, ABS-CBN News

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