San Juan residents asked to get permit for Black Nazarene activities 

San Juan City government advised residents to seek permission from the mayor's office before they can hold gatherings or activities for the feast of the Black Nazarene, according to a report by Philippine News Agency.

In an advisory, Mayor Francis Zamora said devotees of the Black Nazarene are allowed to hold a procession or motorcade, provided that it will be joined by only 10 people.

He added that only 30-percent seating capacity is allowed in churches that would hold Masses for the occasion.

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Residents who would like to hold mass gatherings and procession should contact the city mayor's office to request the permit and coordinate with the San Juan City Police, as well as the city traffic and parking management office, through hotline numbers: 09616805514 (Smart) or 09565297286 (Globe).

Zamora said health measures and security guidelines should be observed, once the permit is given.

He reminded the residents to continue following the city ordinances and observe the government's minimum health standards to halt the further spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the city.

Meanwhile, Zamora has issued Executive Order No. 61 that lowers the on-site operational capacity of some businesses and other sectoral industries in the city.

"I deem it necessary for the purpose of further lowering the number of Covid-19 active cases in our city which was just at 38 last Jan. 6," he said.

Under the order, restaurants, cafes, food parks, food courts, canteens, and other similar eateries can accept dine-in customers at 30-percent capacity.

The accredited diplomatic missions and international organizations should also maintain their workforce at 30-percent capacity in their establishment's vicinities.

Hotel and room accommodations should only cater to those with an existing booking for foreigners as of Mar. 17, 2020, and guests who have existing long-term bookings, distressed and repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as well as stranded foreigners.

Zamora vowed that once the Covid-19 active cases in the city would be sustained at a lower number, the operational capacity onsite will be increased.

"Rest assured that my decision will always be prudent for the benefit of San Juaneños - a decision that will always protect the health and safety of our constituents while at the same time enabling our local economy to bounce back and recover," he said.