Manila archdiocese issues guidelines on church lockdowns

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) on Wednesday issued guidelines on implementing church lockdowns amid the spike in COVID-19 cases.

Under Circular No. 2022-03, the RCAM stated that a church lockdown will be at the discretion of the parish priest in consultation with the parish pastoral council, local government units, health authorities, and other concerned government agencies.

The archdiocese noted that the lockdown of parish offices can be prevented if minimum health protocols are maintained.

It stated that health and safety measures should be enforced in every parish office including proper hygiene, disinfection, social distancing, restricting mass gatherings, proper ventilation of indoor spaces, and health check of all staff daily.

The archdiocese said if a confirmed case has led to exposure through close contact in a parish office, the office may be temporarily closed.

It added that close contacts must also self-isolate.

The RCAM also urged churches to continue and strengthen online masses.

“Sacraments and other religious activities are essential for the faithful, and, taking into consideration health protocols, they must not be deprived of their spiritual nourishment during these difficult times of fear and despair,” the RCAP said.

The RCAM encouraged the parishes to continue taking care of vulnerable communities through conducting feeding programs and community pantries or kindness stations.

The archdiocese earlier reported that some parishes have been temporarily closed due to rising infections of COVID-19.

The country on Wednesday documented 10,775 more COVID-19 infections, increasing the Philippines' total tally to 2,871,745. — Richa Noriega/BM, GMA News