For millions of people across the Western Pacific Region, this season of religious events and cultural festivities will be dramatically different, as governments discourage or ban large gatherings and urge people to stay home to slow or stop the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
This past week, millions of Catholics in the Philippines commemorated Easter at home, when they would normally attend mass, processions and other events.
The Government extended community quarantine orders to prevent people from travelling or gathering during Holy Week. Instead, nationwide interfaith prayer services were held online and on television.