Church goers follow health protocols during observance of Ash Wednesday

More than 1,200 people flocked to the Baclaran Church in Paranaque City to attend mass in observance of Ash Wednesday and were seen following health protocols, according to the report of Mao dela Cruz of Super Radyo DZBB.

The activity is part of the tradition as part of the Lenten season in which people flock to the church on Ash Wednesday to hear mass and for the imposition of ash.

This year, as was the practice last year, ash will be sprinkled by priests and ministers on the head of the people instead of placing a cross on the forehead as observed by GMA News' James Agustin at the Quiapo church in Manila.

LOOK: Ibinubudbod ang abo sa ulo ng mga deboto sa halip na ipahid sa noo ngayong Ash Wednesday sa Quaipo Church sa Maynila. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/leG5ardltw

— James Agustin (@_jamesJA) February 16, 2021

Outside the Baclaran church, the people are seen wearing masks and face shields as well as follow the markers placed in order to keep physical distancing.

The health protocols are in place as part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Security guards and police officers were seen implementing quarantine protocols.

In Quiapo Church, devotees began arriving at past 4 a.m. for the traditional Ash Wednesday rites, GMA News' James Agustin reported.

He said groups of devotees were strictly observing health protocols and social distancing during the Mass.

Also, the report noted that the number of the faithful inside Quiapo Church had grown bigger before after authorities allowed up to 50 percent capacity of the church to be open for mass goers.

—BAP/LBG, GMA News