DESPITE the easing of the mask mandate by the government, some churches may still require churchgoers to wear their face masks when attending Masses and other liturgical celebrations, according to an official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
In an interview, CBCP – Public Affairs Committee Executive Secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano reminded the public that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains a health threat.
“We hope the faithful will understand if there are (churches) that will still require them to wear face masks,” said Secillano, adding: “I would also assume that people will understand if any (church) will require them to still wear face mask as a form of protecting each other from the virus.”
The priest said such a policy will no longer come from the CBCP and is already up to each diocese or parish.
“(We) can’t speak for all churches. Each diocese is autonomous,” he said.
Asked if they agree with making face mask wearing voluntary, he said the Church is leaving the policy-making aspect to the Department of Health (DOH).
President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 07 last October 28 which allows optional wearing of face masks in indoor settings, except in health facilities and transportations, and public utility vehicles.
The Department of Education and the Department of Labor and Employment, subsequently, issued directives making the use of face masks in classrooms and workplaces, respectively, merely voluntary.
