Mass gatherings banned, weddings with 10 people max allowed in GCQ areas — IATF

MANILA, Philippines — Mass gatherings, including those for religious purposes, will be prohibited in Metro Manila and nearby provinces under the general community quarantine (GCQ), the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases said.

The IATF ordered the prohibition of public gatherings during the imposition of GCQ in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal from Mar. 22 until April 4 through a resolution approved by President Rodrigo Duterte.

While weddings, baptisms, and funeral services are allowed, only a maximum of 10 people can participate, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a media briefing Sunday.

“Pinagbabawal po ang lahat ng mass and public gatherings kasama na po ang religious gatherings,” he said.

(All mass and public gatherings including religious gatherings are prohibited.)

“Yung tinatawag po nating KBL: kasal, binyag at libing ay pinapayagan po pero hanggang 10 tao lang po ang pwedeng dumalo,” he added.

(Weddings, baptisms, and funerals are allowed but only 10 people can gather at a time.)

According to IATF Resolution No. 104, the measure was adopted due to rising COVID-19 cases in the country, particularly in the said areas.

On Sunday, the Philippines logged 7,757 new COVID-19 cases, the third straight day that the country has reported over 7,000 additional infections.

JE