Sick, at-risk devotees urged to skip Traslacion 2026

The Department of Health (DOH) said that while there is no alarming increase in influenza cases in the country, immunocompromised devotees are advised to remain at home during this year's Traslacion.

Data shared by the DOH showed that there are currently no active cases of “super flu” in the country, with only 41 cases recorded from August 6 to October 24, 2025.

In a press conference at Quiapo on Wednesday, DOH Assistant Secretary Gloria Balboa noted that super flu is still an influenza virus, albeit with slightly more severe symptoms.

“Hindi naman siya delikado sa ngayon, kasi di naman nakakatakot siya eh… Ito naman kasing panahon ngayon, malamig pa rin. Expected naman na tumataas ang mga flu cases natin.

(It’s not really dangerous at the moment, and it’s not that scary… Given the current cold season, an increase in flu cases is expected.)

"Wala pa naman kaming nakikita talagang mas tumataas siya kaysa sa normal (We have not seen any rise beyond normal levels),” she said.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said on Wednesday that all monitored cases have since recovered, adding that there is no cause for alarm.

Despite this, Balboa urged devotees with chronic illnesses, those who are immunocompromised, the elderly, children, and pregnant women to refrain from joining the procession.

“Sana huwag na lang pumunta kasi crowded area. Mayroon naman tayong livestreaming. Pwede naman na po doon. Ayaw naman po natin na lalo na kung may hypertension o diabetes, ay doon atakihin,” she said.

(I hope they choose not to go since it’s a crowded area. There are livestreams they can watch instead. We don’t want those with hypertension or diabetes to suffer medical emergencies during the event.)

She also reminded individuals who are sick or feeling unwell to avoid participating, or at least wear face masks to prevent the spread of illness during the procession.

“Kung tayo ay inuubo, regardless kung anong influenza o flu ‘yan, sana manatili na lang tayo sa bahay. O kung pupunta man tayo, mag-mask po ang may ubo,” she said.

(If you have a cough, regardless of the type of flu, it would be best to stay home. If you really must go, those with coughs should wear masks.)

“Since this is a big crowd, anumang sakit na puwedeng maipasa sa pamamagitan ng airborne at droplets ay may malaking tsansang kumalat. Kaya sana po ‘yung mga may sakit ay huwag na lang pumunta, bilang konsiderasyon din sa iba,” she added.

(Since this is a large gathering, illnesses transmitted through airborne particles and droplets have a high chance of spreading. That’s why we hope those who are sick will choose not to attend, out of consideration for others.)

In preparation for Traslacion 2026, the DOH said it will deploy 20 health emergency response team stations along the procession route to address possible medical incidents.

A total of 206 healthcare personnel will be deployed to man these stations.

Public hospitals have also been placed under Code White on Friday to accommodate any possible medical cases during the feast.—MCG, GMA Integrated News