IATF allows religious gatherings once a day from April 1-4

By Mela Lesmoras

In time for the observation of Holy Week 2021, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has allowed the holding of religious gatherings once a day from April 1 to April 4, 2021 in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus bubble.

This was announced by Presidential and IATF Spokesperson Harry Roque on Friday during his interview at PTV’s Laging Handa Public Briefing.

“Ito po ay katugunan ng IATF noong nag-request naman po ang ating Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) sa 500th year na dumating po ang Simbahang Katolika sa ating bansa. At nakinig naman po ang ating IATF,” he said.

[This is the IATF’s response to the CBCP’s request (in line with the celebration) of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the Catholic Church in our country. And the IATF listened.]  

Roque clarified that this guideline applies to all faiths.

“Hindi lang po ito para sa Simbahang Katolika, lahat po ng pananampalataya kasama na rin po — ang ating kapatid na Muslim, mga Shinto, pupuwede pong once a day, 10 percent capacity, April 1 to April 4,” he said.

[This is not only for the Catholic Church, all faiths are included here — our Muslim brethren, the Shinto, can (meet) once a day at 10 percent capacity from April 1 to 4]. 

Secretary Roque also stated that health protocols must be strictly observed in churches. Among these are:

– Entrance to churches / venues are encouraged via reservation to ensure compliance with the 10% capacity limitation;

– Attendance through various online platforms is encouraged;

– No gatherings and conduct of religious activities shall be allowed outside the church and/or venue;

– The use of audio-video screens or public address systems outside the church / venue while the mass/worship service is being celebrated shall be prohibited;

– Live singing, if any, shall be strictly limited while recorded singing is encouraged.

The Palace official said local barangay units and the police force are directed to facilitate the implementation of these rules.

Initially, the government’s COVID-19 task force prohibited all forms of mass gatherings, including religious ones, in areas covered by the NCR Plus bubble, which is under general community quarantine until April 4.

As he declared the new policy, Roque wished everyone a meaningful observance of Holy Week while also keeping safe from COVID-19.