Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo has asked churches in the Archdiocese of Manila to routinely disinfect their surroundings amid the coronovirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread.
In a pastoral letter, the Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese said church institutions should routinely clean with disinfectants the high touch areas such as pews, benches, door knobs as well as microphone covers.
Barriers, Pabillo said should be installed so that people do not get near statues and sacred images to touch them until the virus is overcome.
He said churches and adoration chapels with air conditioning and windows should also be biomisted.
“Air Purifier perhaps may be of help but it will be very expensive and there is no clear evidence of its effectivity in large areas like churches. Open windows and doors after mass and shut off the air conditioning in order for the air, heat and sunlight to circulate,” said Pabillo.
The prelate said parishes should also be prepared for the economic effects of the COVID 19 phenomenon especially with the worst case scenario of the suspension of public gatherings.
“We need to save at this time of impending crisis. Let us make our church institutions resilient. At this time, let expenses be made only in what is essential in order to save for any eventualities,” Pabillo said.
Pabillo said those who are sick or have flu- like symptoms and cough should be advised to get medical attention and stay home. (Leslie Aquino)