Davao City mayor cancels Araw ng Dabaw fete due to coronavirus fears

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte canceled most of the month-long Araw ng Dabaw celebrations due to the "novel coronavirus situation", with preparations for the canceled events to be executed in 2021.

The cancellation is a precautionary measure in line with the Department of Health's advisory to avoid public gatherings and due to the city's healthcare facilities having limitations.

Major events including the Mutya ng Dabaw, Reyna Dabawenya, and Datu Bago Awards have been called off, though a Thanksgiving Mass on March 1 will still proceed.

The city government implemented a ban on 'welcome and send-off groups' at transportation hubs, allowing only employees, workers, drivers, and passengers entry.

Schools, offices, and businesses are directed to create guidelines to prevent sick individuals from entering their premises.

Mayor Duterte urged the Department of Trade and Industry to enforce price freeze memorandums to prevent overpricing and hoarding, with businesses facing permit cancellation and closure if found violating.

As of Tuesday, February 11, 2020, the Philippines had at least three confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.