The Diocese of Balanga, north of Manila, has suspended all public religious celebrations following the declaration of strict “enhanced community quarantine” in the province.
“Now that ECQ status has been approved … religious gatherings are prohibited,” said Bishop Ruperto Santos in a statement.
The strict health protocol will last until August 22.
“Let us abide by and follow the protocols especially on religious gatherings,” said the prelate.
Bishop Santos said parish churches will be closed for sacramental celebrations while Masses will be celebrated with “very limited attendees,” including the priest, a lector, and in-house personnel, and broadcast online.
“We suspend baptisms and reset weddings,” said the bishop.
The province of Bataan has about 2,000 active cases of COVID-19, 16 of which were identified as Delta variants, according to the health department.
