Manila Cathedral opens doors to 80 churchgoers

After half a year of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Manila Cathedral on Wednesday opened its doors again to a maximum of 80 churchgoers, or 10 percent of the cathedral’s capacity.

According to Oscar Oida’s report on “24 Oras,” the number of churchgoers who attended the mass did not reach the maximum number as the cathedral implemented a “first come, first served” basis.

Before entering, the churchgoers had to undergo a thermal scan and answer a contact tracing form.

Meanwhile, individuals without face masks and face shields were not allowed to enter. Each churchgoer was also given a seat number.

In accordance with physical distancing measures, the pews may only hold three individuals while each occupied pew will also be separated by a vacant pew.

The songs sung during masses were also lessened.

“Kasi kapag kumakanta ka, you exert effort, no? Talagang you blow the air ganyan at you inhale also. Kapag kumakanta ka, you inhale ng mas malakas,” Manila Cathedral Vice Rector Fr. Kali Llamado said.

Churchgoers were prohibited from holding hands during “Ama Namin” while hugs, kisses, and handshakes were also prohibited when greeting “peace be with you.”

“Mayroon tayong mga markers sa floor kung saan sila tatayo para may distancing, meron tayong mga alcohol stations bago ka pumunta sa communion. “Yung pare, ‘yung mga lay ministers, ay mag-aalcohol kami. ‘Yung mga lay ministers ay ni-require pa namin mag hugas ng kamay, mag-sasabon, bago mag-bigay ng communion,” Llamado said.

From Monday to Saturday, masses will be held at 7:30 a.m. and at 12 p.m. On Sunday, masses will be held at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 6 p.m. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News