MANILA, Reuters – The annual Philippine procession that normally attracts millions of Catholic devotees, with a black wooden Christ statue, has been cancelled by Philippine authorities for the second year in a row due to concerns about coronavirus.

Because of increasing COVID-19 levels, the coronavirus task force of government cancelled the Black Nazerene “procession”. This is one of the largest national religious festivals.

According to authorities, this year there will not be mass attendance at the shrine housing the monument. Police will deploy officers outside the structure in an effort to deter people gathering, as well.

At a press conference, Father Douglas Badong of Quiapo Church said that he understood the cancellation. He confirmed that there will be physical masses in other provinces as well online masses for devotees living in the capital.

Previous years have seen devotees dressed in yellow or maroon parade the life-sized tatute through Manila on a rope-pulled carriage.

The ministry of health reported Wednesday 10,775 new cases COVID-19, the largest daily spike since Oct. 10. It is more than 60 times higher than the 168 recorded Dec. 21.

The day’s total cases grew to nearly twice the amount the day before. Deaths soared to more than 51,000. This is second in Southeast Asia for COVID-19 infection and death rates, behind only Indonesia.

Karlo Nograles, acting presidential spokesperson, urged people living outside of the capital to get more vaccinations in light of Omicron variant threats. This was despite the fact that the government had tightened restrictions this week.

Nograles released a statement saying that the numbers show they can stop serious COVID cases.

So far, 14 cases have been detected in the Philippines of Omicron variant. This highly contagious strain has slowed down New Year celebrations around the globe and driven up COVID-19-case numbers.