Amidst the rising cases of COVID-19 in Cebu City, the Cebu Archdiocese has issued an official circular/letter/instruction for the new protocols during the “celebration of the Sacraments” in Cebu City’s barrio and barangay chapels until July 31 of this year.
According to the circular, it will only allow 50 percent of the church capacity while physical distancing and disinfection after Masses remains.
The changes in the liturgical protocols was done after a meeting with the Cebu City Emergency Operations Center and this will be reviewed at the end of the month with hope that COVID-19 cases in the city will eventually decrease.
The circular that were signed by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Archdiocesan Chancellor Msgr. Renato Beltran Jr., allowed 66 years old and above to be physically present during Masses provided they are fully vaccinated.
However, those 15 years old and lower are still not allowed to attend Masses and weddings physically.
Children below 15 years old are allowed to attend the sacraments of baptism and confirmation provided they are the recipients.
For those Masses held at home for the deceased individual and Masses held at the cemetery, the circular states that coordination with the local government concerned to ensure compliance of gathering of people, must be done.
The Cebu Aechdiocese added that procession and motorcade during fiestas and other celebration will only be allowed in coordination and permission by the concerned LGU.-(April Therese Tan)