Gov’t tightens measures on religious, mass gatherings

MANILA, Philippines — Following the surge in coronavirus cases, the Philippine government has tightened measures on religious and mass gatherings in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) until April 4, Malacañang said Friday.

Amid rising COVID-19 cases, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said religious gatherings in GCQ areas should be limited to 30 percent venue capacity. Previously, up to 50 percent capacity was allowed for religious gatherings.

Roque said meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibition events must also be limited to “essential” gatherings at 30 percent of venue capacity.

Church goers at the Nuestra Señora de la Annunciata Parish Church in Sitio Old Boso-Boso, Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City follow health protocols such as physical distancing and wearing of face masks and face shield during the the holy mass. 📷:Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer

Local government units, however, may decide to increase the venue capacity up to 50 percent in their respective jurisdictions.

“Binibigyang discretion din ang mga lokal na pamahalaan na taasan ang venue capacity na hindi lalagpas ng 50 percent base sa mga kondisyon sa kanilang lugar,” Roque noted.

(Local governments are given discretion to increase the venue capacity not exceeding 50 percent based on the conditions in their areas.)

“Hinihikayat ang mga ahensya ng pambansang pamahalaan na ipagpaliban muna ang mga non-critical activities kung saan magkakaroon ng mga pagpupulong pulong o mass gatherings,” he added.

(We are enjoining the national government to set aside non-critical activities where there will be mass gatherings.)

EDV