MANILA, Philippines — Churches under the Archdiocese of Manila will suspend public masses and other religious gatherings beginning today until Aug. 14 following the appeal of doctors and nurses to revert Metro Manila to the stricter enhanced community quarantine or ECQ amid the rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“In response to the call of medical frontliners, all churches and parishes under the Archdiocese of Manila will go back to ECQ protocols,” Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo announced on Saturday.
Pabillo, however, said masses and religious services online would continue.
The Diocese of Cubao headed by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco also announced that it would not hold religious activities for two weeks.
On Saturday, various medical groups urged the government to place the National Capital Region under ECQ for two weeks, saying the period will serve as a “time out to recalibrate the strategies against COVID-19.”
Medical frontliners admitted that they are losing the war against COVID-19 as the number of Filipinos infected with the virus breached 100,000 yesterday, with daily cases reaching over 5,000 and the number of deaths exceeding 2,000. Several hospitals in Metro Manila have also reached full capacity.
“We share the compassion of our health workers for the sick people being brought to the hospitals. We have witnessed their dedicated service. Many of them are tired and even discouraged by their responsibilities,” Pabillo said. “We support their appeal for a time out. We understand that they call for this not only for their own respite, though they truly need one.”
Pabillo said they would use the period to evaluate the Church’s response to the pandemic.
The two priests also called on the public to follow health protocols such as wearing of face masks, observing physical distancing rules and staying at home unless necessary.
They also asked for assistance for families who are in need.
“There are many people who are suffering economically because of the pandemic,” Pabillo said.
Pabillo announced yesterday that he has been cleared of COVID-19.
He said he tested negative for the virus after undergoing second swab test.
The 65-year-old prelate went on quarantine after he was infected with COVID-19 last week.