A throng of devotees participates in the annual Traslacion as it passes Arlegui en route to Fraternal Street in Quiapo, Manila on January 9, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News. 

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday declared a code white alert in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon until January 10 for the Traslacion of Jesus Nazareno this year. 

The code white alert signifies that assigned medical personnel, equipment, and health facilities are on standby to immediately respond to emergencies.

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The DOH also delegated medical teams and health stations on the primary routes of Traslacion including Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, SM Manila, Ayala Bridge, P. Casal, and Quinta Market. Over 201 staffs from the agency's Health Emergency Response Team (HERT) in Metro Manila will be deployed.

These personnel are from Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC), Tondo Medical Center (TMC), Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital (DJFMH), and East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC). They will be coordinating with Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) in assisting the expected millions of Catholic devotees at the annual procession.

"Ang mga itinalagang health station sa kahabaan ng ruta ng Traslacion ay magbibigay ng basic at advanced care ayon sa pangangailangan. Nakaantabay rin ang mga ambulansya para sa agarang pagdadala ng mga pasyente sa ospital. Ang mga pasilidad tulad ng JRRMMC, TMC, at iba pang ospital ng DOH sa NCR ay handang tumanggap ng mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng mas masusing atensyong medikal," the DOH said in a statement.

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(The assigned health stations in the routes of Traslacion will give basic and advanced care according to devotees' needs. Ambulances are also on standby to quickly send patients to hospital. Facilities like JRRMMC, TMC, and other hospitals in DOH NCR are ready to accept patients with urgent medical needs.)

HEALTH REMINDERS

The agency is advising devotees to prioritize their health during the celebration. They have the following reminders:

• If one is suffering from cold or cough, it is recommended to skip Traslacion to prevent the worsening of condition.

• Drink 8 glasses of water to stay hydrated

• Wear comfortable clothes

• Limit exposure to sunlight and heat to avoid heat stroke

The DOH meanwhile already stated they are monitoring health concerns abroad, particularly respiratory illness, amid the prevalence of flu cases in China.

"Naka-antabay po tayo at kung sakali po  —  huwag naman sana  — ay magkaroon ng karamdaman dito sa ating bansa, magpapahayag po ang Department of Health at magbibigay-abiso, hindi lang po sa pamunuan ng Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno) kundi sa ating mamamayan para mas maging ligtas ang ating selebrasyon," said Dr. Irvin Miranda of the DOH.

Annually, millions of devotees go to the streets of Manila and scramble to touch Jesus Christ's 400-year-old wooden statue, with a belief that the act can grant them miracles, blessings, or healing.

Authorities usually deploy hundreds to thousands of staffs to ensure the safety and welfare of attendees who would typically spend more than a day for the tradition.

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The spokesperson of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno on Monday reminded the devotees that climbing onto the carriage carrying the replica of Jesus Nazareno is prohibited.