(Infographic from the Lupad Dumaguete Facebook page/City PIO) DUMAGUETE CITY - The local government here has not lined up any activities to celebrate its 73rd Charter Day anniversary on Wednesday to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). City Tourism Officer Jacqueline Antonio told the Philippine News Agency that no activities werelined up upon the recommendation of the city's Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), even though Negros Oriental is now under the lower Alert Level 2 status. Instead, she said Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, in his message posted on social media, called on the public to heed the call of the government to have themselves vaccinated against Covid-19. "I urge our residents to avail of free vaccination so we can achieve herd immunity by the end of the year that will allow us to fully reopen our economy and do what we love the most: back in our workplaces, back in our schools and to travel with our family and friends," the mayor said. This capital city of Negros Oriental also did not have a thanksgiving Charter Day mass, which is usually held at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria every year. Pursuant to Republic Act 7253, every 24th day of November of every year is declared a special holiday for the city. On November 25, the city also celebrates its annual fiesta in honor of its patron saint, St. Catherine of Alexandria. Rey Lyndon Lawas, city adviser for concerns on security, emergency preparedness, management and response, told the Philippine News Agency that with the new quarantine classification in place, restrictions have been eased but the local government is calling on the public to continue observing the basic health protocols. Lawas said while senior citizens and children are now allowed at malls and other establishments, people must not be complacent, considering that Covid-19 is still very much present as seen in the new cases being reported by health authorities. The city government has appealed to the public to avoid mass gatherings and limit banquets to only members of the household. (PNA) }