Cebu City allows limited religious gatherings

Entering its second week under general community quarantine, Cebu City decided to allow limited religious gatherings.

On Saturday, August 8, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella released Executive Order (EO) No. 86-B. The EO amended a previous prohibition on mass gatherings and permitted gatherings for religious purposes, but only at 10% of the venue’s seating capacity or up to 10 people, “whichever is higher.”

In the EO, religious groups have been advised to observe social distancing measures and uphold minimum public health standards during religious activities.

Nonessential gatherings, however, are still prohibited.

At the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, public Masses began on Sunday, August 9, at the Pilgrim Center located along Osmeña Boulevard in downtown Cebu.

Only a maximum of 350 persons are allowed to attend every Mass at the Pilgrim Center. Based on the usual health protocols, senior citizens and people aged 21 and below are not allowed inside the basilica.

In a phone interview, Father Aladdin Luzon, one of the church administrators, told Rappler that security personnel would be present in the area to ensure that health protocols are being followed. Mass attendees would be made to follow markers even during communion.

Those unable to physically participate may still join the Mass through the Basilica’s Facebook Page and YouTube channel. – Rappler.com