You have to hand it to human beings.

No matter how bad things get, we find a way to keep calm and carry on.

The coronavirus, or COVID-19, has swept the globe, taking thousands of lives as medical authorities struggle to contain the contagion.

That, however, was not going to stop more than 200 couples from tying the knot in a mass ceremony in the central Philippines.

ABC with more:

The lobby of Bacolod’s city hall was a sea of white shirts and gowns, dotted with the blue of the masks, which were mandatory for all, and provided by the authorities.

The weddings took place on February 20, with Bacolod city authorities releasing the images two days later.

There’s also a wedding video. Feel the love:

Participants in the ceremony had to complete health declarations, detailing a travel history for 14 days, the quarantine period across the globe for arrivals from China. 14 days is apparently also the maximum incubation period for the virus.

“If our families are strong, the city of Bacolod becomes strong, too,” said Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who officiated at the function.

Mass weddings are a tradition in the city, and usually take place just after Valentine’s Day.

Congratulations to the happy couples – all 220 of them on their special day.

[source:abc]