Fr. Hans Magdurulang talks to reporters on Monday, January 8, a day before “Traslacion” where millions of Black Nazarene devotees are expected to participate.
MANILA, Philippines — Traslacion 2024 spokesperson Fr. Hans Magdurulang on Monday laid out the measures that Quiapo Church has implemented against COVID-19 virus during the feast of the Black Nazarene.
“Bibigyan po ng face mask ang mga ka-deboto natin na magsisimba rito sa Quiapo Church. Doon pa lang po sa pila, may ibinibigay din pong face mask,” Magdurulang said.
(Devotees who will attend mass at Quiapo Church would be given face masks. While they are waiting in line, face masks will be distributed to them.)
Mass goers may get face masks at the lone entrance to the church at Villalobos Street.
“We have authorities who estimate the right number of people entering [the church], while outside, we have designated individuals guiding the faithful to maintain some distance, as much as possible,” Magdurulang added in Filipino.
However, Magdurulang admitted that strict enforcement of social distancing is a challenge given the volume of people who flock the church during masses.
“It’s really difficult at this time to perfectly maintain the one-meter distance, but here at Quiapo Church, we will still do our best to ensure that even if it’s not exactly one meter, there will still be proper distancing and space among those attending the Mass,” he noted.
“We are complying with the reminder of the Mayor of Manila, Honey Lacuña, that the virus is still there, COVID. Other diseases are also out there. That’s why the church will continue to support the [local] government in terms of health,” the spokesperson added.
Earlier, the DOH reminded devotees to observe necessary precautions and safety measures to avoid contracting the COVID-19 virus.
These measures include the wearing of face masks and joining the festivities at home via livestreams.
The “Traslacion”, or the procession of the life-size image of the Black Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park to the Quiapo Church, will start on January 9 when millions of faithful are expected to participate.