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Palace backtracks on religious gatherings in GCQ areas, says it's up for discussion

By JULIA MARI ORNEDO,GMA News

MalacaƱang on Thursday night took back its earlier statement saying that religious gatherings will be allowed in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

In a message to reporters, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the issue of allowing religious activities had been submitted to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases and would be discussed tomorrow.

Roque also confirmed that no religious gatherings would be allowed in areas under GCQ until the task force had decided with finality on the matter.

In a press briefing earlier in the day, the spokesman said essential work and religious gatherings will be allowed in areas under GCQ so long as social distancing and other safety protocols will be observed. 

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Mass gatherings, including religious activities, are not allowed in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Areas under ECQ from May 1 to 15 due to their high risk for coronavirus transmission are National Capital Region, Central Luzon except Aurora, CALABARZON, Pangasinan, Benguet, Baguio City, Iloilo province, Cebu province, Cebu City, and Davao City. -NB, GMA News