Thousands flock to Quiapo for Black Nazarene feast amid COVID-19 threat

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Thousands of devotees thronged a church in the Philippine capital for a glimpse of a centuries-old statue of Jesus Christ believed to have miraculous healing powers, after an annual parade was cancelled due to Covid-19.

Manila police estimate that 400,000 people gathered in the Quiapo district of the Philippines capital on Saturday to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene, a Catholic religious celebration. Though many were wearing masks and practicing social distancing, health experts fear the gathering may result in a COVID-19 "super-spreader" event. 


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