Parents told: Don’t take kids to church

CEBU, Philippines — Despite the government’s reminders, it has been observed that some parents and guardians go to the church with children in tow in violation of existing guidelines against COVID-19 in Cebu City.

Amid such reports, Philip Zafra, chairman of the committee on public order at the Cebu City Council, is urging the public to follow health protocols to help stem the continued spike in the coronavirus cases in the city.

Earlier regulations provide that only those 16 years old to 65 years old are allowed to go out of their homes under a modified general community quarantine, which is the present status of Cebu City.

 “Mohangyo lang mi, ayaw intawn dalha ang inyong mga bata sa simbahan. Ato intawn sila ilikay sa COVID-19. Di ta makatugot nga maamong sila sa transmisyon sa virus. Naa gyud baya sa ulahi ang pagbasol (We would like to appeal, please do not take your children to the church. Let’s spare them from COVID-19. Let’s not allow them to suffer from the transmission of the virus. After all, regret always comes last),” Zafra said.

Zafra also called on security personnel manning the gates of these churches to strictly implement the health and quarantine protocols.

Likewise, the councilor asked the public to observe social distancing within the church premises to limit the potential spread of the virus.

At present, churches are allowed to hold Masses and admit massgoers up to 50 percent of their capacity.

Zafra advised parents to hear the Masses instead via online channels to avoid the risk of being exposed to the virus outside.

Most parishes in Cebu City are streaming their Masses live to encourage people to stay at home.

Zafra appealed for understanding from the public since the pandemic is still raging.

“Naa pa man ta pandemya, samot na karon nga nagkasaka na pud og balik ang kaso sa COVID-19 dinhi sa atoa (Please understand because we are still in the middle of the pandemic, especially now that the cases are increasing once again),” the councilor said. — JMD (FREEMAN)