DESPITE the easing of the mask mandate indoors, the Archdiocese of Manila wants the faithful to continue wearing face masks when inside churches.
Based on Circular No. 2022-85, the Manila archdiocese said it continues to encourage churchgoers to wear their face masks in a bid to prevent transmission of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
“The Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission and the Ministry on Health Care of the Archdiocese of Manila request that we continue to encourage our parishioners to wear face masks in our churches during liturgical celebrations and other gatherings,” said Manila Archdiocese Vice Chancellor Fr. Carmelo Arada.
He said the directive is in consideration of the vulnerability of the elderly and those with comorbidities.
“The pandemic difficulties stirred us to take care of each other,” said Arada.
On October 28, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order (EO) No. 07, which allows the optional wearing of face masks indoors.
EO 7, however, still recommends the wearing of face masks for the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, those unvaccinated, and people with Covid-19 symptoms. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)