The Archdiocese of Manila has released guidelines for religious services amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Manila Archdiocese Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the guidelines are “given due to our extraordinary situation. They are therefore temporary in nature. These guidelines are given so that we are prepared when religious services will already be allowed.”
A half hour gap will be observed between masses to allow the church to be disinfected after each service. There will be lesser masses on Sundays and more services on weekdays. Anticipated masses on Saturdays will be held earlier at 3 p.m.
Churchgoers are advised to follow the places indicated in the pews to maintain physical distancing. Touching and wiping of religious images will not be allowed.
Holy water fonts will remain empty. Hand sanitizers and a foot bath will be placed in church entrances.
Mass goers and attendees in other church services should wear face masks. Their body temperature will also be taken at the entrance. There will be no holding of hands during the singing of the Our Father. Children and the elderly are advised to stay at home and instead, join in the online mass.
For baptism, only the parents and one set of godparents will be allowed per child. There will also be no mass confirmations this year.
Only simple weddings will also be allowed, with only the bride and the groom with one set of sponsors and the immediate family present. There should be no wedding entourage.
For funerals, only the immediate family will be allowed during funeral masses in the church while observing proper social distancing. The bereaved family is also advised not to bring their dead to the church anymore if a mass has already been done during the wake. (Christina I. Hermoso)