IATF allows once-a-day religious gatherings at 10% capacity for April 1-4
The government has allowed religious gatherings for the upcoming Holy Week provided that it be held only once a day and capped at 10% capacity.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque said in a briefing today that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) requires religious denominations to maintain basic health standards against COVID-19 during the religious service.
Roque said those who want to attend the religious service should reserve beforehand to ensure that the 10% limit is followed.
"Hindi pumayag ang IATF nung una sa 10% capacity dahil pumipila ang mga gustong makapasok sa susunod na misa. Ngayong once a day na lang po, sana masunod ang reservation at maintindihan ng lahat, wag na pumila sa labas dahil isang beses lang po isang araw yan," Roque said.
Roque added that the IATF is also encouraging religious denominations not to have live singing and instead use recorded music. Though physical attendance is allowed within the 10% cap, Roque said the IATF is still encouraging the public to join through online platforms.
The announcement comes after Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila, announced that religious worship will be held at 10% leading to Holy Week, even after the IATF banned gatherings of any kind during the two-week bubble within National Capital Region and other adjoining areas.
Banner and thumbnail photo by Edd Gumban