The city government and the religious sector on June 3 agreed to reopen church services during the modified general community quarantine period subject to guidelines compliant with the health and safety standards on Covid-19 prevention and control.
In a consultation attended by leaders of the religious organizations, Mayor Benjamin Magalong acknowledged that church services are essential activities that should be allowed under the MGCQ.
Churches and groups should submit their guidelines to mayor and an ocular inspection of their churches, mosques, or prayer halls will be conducted.
Services will only commence after the approval of the guidelines and issuance of certificates of compliance by the city government.
Some of the rules discussed during the meeting were:
Limiting attendees to 10 percent of the capacity of the church, mosque, or prayer hall. Senior citizens and those younger than 20 will be allowed to join Sunday services but Sunday school for children will not be allowed and health protocols must be strictly observed;
List of attendees with details must be made available for contact tracing and Sunday services shall only be from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Church leaders led by Baguio Apostolic Vicar Rev. Victor Bendico of the Catholic Church and Rev. Pastor Robbie Casas of the Protestant churches and Rev. Pastor Voltaire Acosta who heads the Presidential Commission on Religious Affairs committed to comply with all the precautionary measures.
Aileen P. Refuerzo with reports from Leimara Phitaka
City, 6-7-2020
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