No classes in Manila from Jan. 14 to 21, 2022 —Mayor Isko

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Thursday declared a “health break” for students and teachers in both public and private schools in Manila from January 14 to 21, 2022.

In a press conference, Moreno announced that there would be no classes in all levels in both public and private schools in Manila to reduce the anxiety level of the teachers and students following the rise of COVID-19 infections.

“The city of Manila declares a health break starting tomorrow January 14 to 21, wala pong pasok [there will be no classes] whether online or physical classes, all levels para magka-health break naman ang lahat [in order for us to have a health break],” he said.

“Mabawasan ang anxiety level ng teacher at makapagpahinga ang mga teacher. I know most of them doing online despite infection, makapagpahinga ang mga guro at yung mga magulang mabawasan yung anxiety level nila na umaabsent yung kanilang anak sa online class kasi infected ang kanilang anak sa COVID-19,” he added.

(To reduce the anxiety level of our teachers and for them to relax. I know most of them are teaching online despite being infected. Teachers and parents can rest and reduce their anxiety level because their child is absent from online class due to COVID-19 infection.)

Moreno, who is seeking the presidency in the 2022 elections, said the one-week health break would hopefully allow COVID-infected students and teachers, as well as parents, to recover from the disease.

Feast of Sto. Niño

Meanwhile, Moreno said he has signed Executive Order No. 4 Series of 2022 prohibiting any forms of public gathering in celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño.

He said among the prohibited mass gatherings include religious procession, street party, stage shows, parade, street games, and “ati-atihan.”

“Sa ating mga deboto, magsama-sama na lang po tayo sa bahay, maghawak-hawak ng kamay bilang pamilya, manatili tayong manalig at kumapit sa Diyos at magdasal sa kapistahan ng ating mahal na Sto. Niño,” he said.

(To devotees, let us just stay at home, hold hands as a family, remain faithful and pray to God during the Feast of Sto. Niño.)

He also urged barangay officials to suspend any street games and parties in their respective areas.

The Manila mayor also ordered a liquor ban during the celebration, warning that establishments caught selling would have their permits revoked.

Moreno said he directed the Manila Police District to implement the order.

The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño in Tondo, Manila, earlier announced its temporary closure following the increase of COVID-19 cases ahead of the Feast of Sto. Niño.

Drive-thru vaccination

Meanwhile, Moreno also announced that the vaccination drive-thru at the at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park will be open for 24 hours starting Friday.

“We decided tomorrow, simula 12 a.m. mamayang madaling araw, ang booster vaccination drive-thru caravan ng City of Manila will be made available 24 hours,” he said.

The drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site started offering booster shots on Thursday, January 13.

Vaccination cards must be presented to get the booster shot.

“Hindi na kayo kakabahan baka ma-cutoff kayo. This is our first day and we went beyond doon sa minimum requirement. Dahil sa mabilis na pagtugon ng tao, ito naman ang respond ng gobyerno ng Maynila na yakapin kayong lahat hangga't kaya namin kayong yakapin,” he added.

(You need not worry that you won't make the cutoff period. This is our first day and we went beyond the minimum requirement because of the quick response of the people. This is the response of the Manila government to accommodate all of the people.)

According to Moreno,the city of Manila has sufficient supply of COVID-19 vaccines including Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, and Sinovac.

All four-wheel vehicles may avail of the offer on a "first come, first served" basis. —KBK, GMA News