Parishes in the Diocese of Cubao may now reopen their churches for public worship starting Saturday, July 11.
However, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco has left the decision to reopen or not the parishes to priests with the increasing number of COVID-19 cases especially in the National Capital Region.
"I will leave it to the discretion of the parish priests the decision to reopen their churches based on their readiness and safety," he said.
"It is important that you prepare your parish, your ministers, and your parishioners; and assess the risks especially if your community has a big number of COVID cases," added Ongtioco.
The prelate reminded priests to prioritize the health and safety of their parishioners at all times.
He advised parishes to coordinate first with the barangay and ask if it is safe to reopen public worship in their community.
Ongtioco also asked his priests to make sure that they have diligently followed the Diocesan Implementing Guidelines for the Reopening of Public Worship in the Parishes and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Guidelines.
According to Ongtioco, parishes have the option to reopen gradually, starting with fewer masses, as they firm up the implementation of its guidelines.
He said parishes may also delay the reopening for a few days, to educate first the parishioners about the guidelines.
Ongtioco said parishes may also decide not to reopen yet knowing the risks in their community.