Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga reminded the faithful in his diocese to remain vigilant, saying that the common enemy, the new coronavirus disease, is still around.
The bishop issued the reminder after the province of Bataan was placed under a more relaxed “modified general community quarantine.”
The government’s Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier allowed churches under more relaxed quarantine protocols to hold religious services at 50 percent capacity
“COVID-19 is still there … so we should not let our guard down. We still have to be vigilant,” said Bishop Santos in a pastoral directive on July 1.
“We have to still take the necessary precautions and observe preventive measures,” he added.
“As we open our church, let us not forget what they always told us ‘physical social distancing and wearing face masks,'” he said.
The prelate welcomed the decision to place the province of Bataan under a more relaxed community protocol, saying it is a “welcome relief.”
He said it is “much needed comfort to our people who are very much thirsting and hungry for Jesus.”
“Let us bring people back to church, together at the celebrations of the Holy Eucharist,” he added.
