MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Ministry of Health announced on Monday that it has responded to more than 600 calls for medical emergencies from individuals participating in Black Nazarene activities.
DOH reported that from January 6-9, 642 consultations were reported, managed and dealt with.
Nearly 90% of visits, or 577, were cardiac-related, including hypertension, chest pain, and blood pressure monitoring. This was followed by wounds and lacerations in 43 cases, headache and dizziness in 10 cases, dyspnea and asthma in 8 cases, and abdominal pain and loose stools in 4 cases.
Four have been hospitalized, three of whom are currently discharged and one still under observation.
The Philippine Red Cross also reports that it had provided medical assistance to 552 believers as of noon.
Black Nazarene followers traditionally call it the ‘Trasracion’ to commemorate the transfer of the historic statue of Jesus Christ, believed to have miraculous powers, from Intramuros to Quiapo. A grand procession was held.
“Traslacion” has been suspended for three consecutive years due to the effects of the new coronavirus infection.
A Walk of Faith was held on Sunday morning and was attended by over 90,000 people. The event was held without worshiped images to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.