Bishop Buenaventura Famadico of San Pablo in Laguna province welcomed the government’s decision to allow a bigger seating capacity for religious activities in areas under “general community quarantine” or “GCQ.”
“We are happy about it because of the people’s need to go to church with other faithful and to give thanks and praise as a people of God,” said the prelate in an interview with Radio Veritas 846.
Bishop Famadico, who also heads the Episcopal Commission on Clergy of the bishops’ conference, called on the faithful and other Church leaders to ensure that basic health protocols, like “social distancing” and the wearing of masks, are observed.
“We make the best of what we have,” said the bishop.
The government has earlier announced that indoor activities with limited attendance will be allowed in areas under “general community quarantine,” including the national capital and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
Indoor dining services, venues for meetings and conferences, and outdoor tourist attractions are allowed up to 30 percent venue capacity in Metro Manila, while in other areas under “GCQ,” up to 50 percent of capacity is allowed.
Religious gatherings are allowed to have up to 30 percent capacity, with local government units having the option to increase this to 50 percent.
