Guadalupe in Makati, St. Jude in Manila closed over COVID-19 cases

Two churches in Metro Manila have been temporarily closed after its priests and church personnel tested positive for COVID-19.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Makati and the National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus in Manila have been temporarily closed, church leaders announced in separate Facebook posts.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe closed its doors starting January 4 until January 17 after one of its priests contracted the viral disease.

“During the closure, thorough disinfection and intensive sanitation will be done. Churchgoers are requested to refrain from coming to the shrine,” the church management said.

The National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus also announced its closure from December 31, 2021 until January 14, 2022 after its priest and three church personnel acquired COVID-19.

“For the duration of the closure, there will be thorough disinfection and intensive sanitation and, hence, the churchgoers are requested to refrain from coming to the church in the meantime,” it said.

Both churches assured that its online masses would continue as scheduled.

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo Church and Sta. Maria Goretti parish church in Paco, Manila also announced temporary closure amid the increase of COVID-19 cases in the country.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) placed the National Capital Region (NCR) under Alert Level 3 from January 3 to 15, 2022, following the sharp increase in new COVID-19 cases. —NB, GMA News