Baclaran Church suspends masses

MANILA, Philippines — Masses and other religious activities at the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran, Parañaque are suspended amid heightened restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, church officials said masses are suspended until the end of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on Aug. 20.

“This was approved by the Diocese of Parañaque to prevent the spike of COVID-19 cases, especially the more infectious Delta variant,” the church said.

Masses can be streamed live on Facebook and Youtube.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases placed the National Capital Region under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions until Aug. 5 due to the rising cases of the Delta variant.

Metro Manila will shift to ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20.

Checkpoints back

In Muntinlupa, police yesterday started enforcing stricter border control protocols at all points of entry ahead of the reimposition of the ECQ.

According to the local government, checkpoints were established at the San Pedro-Tunasan boundary, Susana Heights exit, Sucat-Taguig boundary and Biazon Road-Alabang boundary.

Checkpoints were also set up in the boundary of Las Piñas City and Bacoor, Cavite.

Earlier, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said only workers and other authorized persons outside of residence would be allowed to enter the National Capital Region.

Liquor ban

The cities of Parañaque and Pasay as well as the municipal government of Pateros reimposed the ban on the sale and distribution of liquor and other alcoholic beverages.

The reimposition of the liquor ban aims to prevent mass gatherings and stop the spread of COVID-19.