Quiapo Church reiterates health protocols ahead of Simbang Gabi

Ahead of the annual Simbang Gabi, the Quiapo Church in Manila reminded the faithful to continue observing the minimum health standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

According to Raffy Tima’s report on Balitanghali on Tuesday, Fr. Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church said there is a need to balance the public’s faith and safety.

“Lahat ito ay bahagi na ng pagtuturo sa kanila ng disiplina. Tuloy pa rin na hindi nilalabag ‘yong protocol at hindi inaalis sa isipin natin na mayroong pandemiya,” he said.

Earlier, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno called on the Catholic Church to limit the number of devotees during the Simbang Gabi this year amid the threat of COVID-19.

Badong previously said the church is prepared to implement additional precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

He said they are ready to conduct the pre-dawn masses without violating protocols and risking transmission of the virus.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also said the shortening of curfews will likely be for local government units to decide.

So far, the country has recorded a total of 432,925 cases of COVID-19 including 398,782 recoveries and 8,418 deaths.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News