The government has relaxed the restrictions on religious gatherings in Metro Manila and other areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), allowing up to 10 percent of the seating and venue capacity in all places of worship.
Prior to this decision, the government limited to only 10 persons the number of people allowed to participate in religious gatherings in GCQ places as a precaution against the coronavirus outbreak.
"Sa religious gatherings, matutuwa po ang mga obispo natin. Pinayagan na po ang 10 percent seating capacity. Uulitin ko po sa NCR, pinayagan na rin ang religious gatherings up to 10 percent. Hindi lamang sa 10 katao (On religious gatherings, the bishops will be happy. Ten percent seating capacity is now allowed. I repeat, in NCR, reglious gatherings up to 10 percent capacity are allowed. It is no longer just 10 persons)," Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said during a Palace press briefing Tuesday.
Asked to clarify if the relaxed rule on religious gatherings applies to all GCQ areas, Roque said: “Yes.”
The new rule on religious gatherings has been approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) during a meeting with Metro Manila mayors as the capital region kept its GCQ status until the end of the month, according to Roque.
A shortened curfew period and mandatory use of mask and face shield in public transportation, work places and commercial establishments were also endorsed by the Metro Manila Council, composed of the local mayors.
Back in July, the government allowed religious gatherings at 10 percent of the venue's capacity in areas under GCQ. A month later, a 10-person limit was imposed in mass gatherings as part of the stricter GCQ implemented by the government.
Archdiocese of Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo said they are “happy” with the decision of the IATF.
“We are happy for it and we will comply with the necessary protocols,” he said in an interview.
Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said such a decision is a “welcome blessing.”
“It is a welcome blessing. Some parishioners have been asking about the number of people who can attend our masses,” he said.
“We see our services as essential since our people need some support system when we talk of stress, psychological needs or support,” added Ongtioco.
Metro Manila has kept its GCQ status until the end of the month.
Other places under GCQ until September 30 are Bulacan, Batangas, Tacloban City, and Bacolod.
Gyms, testing centers, drive-in cinemas
According to Roque, the government has also given the green light to the reopening of gyms, sports facilities, testing trial and review centers, dermatology clinics in areas under GCQ. Also allowed to reopen are other personal care care services, pet grooming and drive-in cinemas. The operation of internet cafes will depend on the decision of the concerned LGUs.
But in Metro Manila, Roque said, the reopening of these business establishments, including internet cafes, will still be subject to the discretion of the local government units. He said the LGUs will issue the specific guidelines on health protocols, operational capacity and operating hours.
Apart from allowing limited religious gatherings, Roque said the Metro Manila Council has shortened the curfew period in the capital region. He said new curfew hours will run between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. in Metro Manila starting September. The previous curfew hours were set from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Roque said Muntinlupa City will impose a curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. The new curfew in Navotas City, on the other hand, is set from 8 a.m. to 5 a.m.
He said the Metro Manila mayors have also agreed to impose the mandatory use of face shields in public transportation, indoor workplaces, commercial establishments including public markets. Social distancing and frequent washing of hands are also part of the "maximum public health standards."
On quarantine passes, Roque said it is up to the local government units to decide if there will be a need for such document for people leaving their houses.
He said the Metro Manila council has also asked for the postponement of the voters’ registration to January 2021 or the Metro Manila shifts to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), whichever comes first. The matter is still subject to the approval of the Inter-Agency Task for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).