Religious gatherings allowed up to 10% of venue capacity, says IATF

Last updated on May 18th, 2021 at 06:05 am

MANILA – Malacañang has announced on Friday that religious gatherings will be allowed up to 10% of the venue’s capacity in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque confirmed that the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has given the go signal to allow more activities and other industries to resume under the less strict GCQ.

Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo welcomed the government’s decision saying there is a big difference between the 10 persons that was initially allowed to 10% maximum venue capacity.

According to Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, the church will be helping the government further prevent the spread of the virus by practicing physical distancing, taking the temperature before allowing people to enter the church.

The new policy will take effect on Friday, July 10.

IATF last month has authorized religious gatherings at 50% venue capacity in places under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana hinted that 80% of the country may be placed on MGCQ by July 16 in hopes to revive the economy