Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 14) — The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, or Quiapo Church, extended its closure until Jan. 26 as the country fights a surge in COVID-19 cases.
In a statement, Msgr. Hernando Coronel, rector and parish priest, announced that the church and its offices will be temporarily closed starting Thursday as part of its “efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.”
During the two-week lockdown, disinfection and sanitation of the church premises will be conducted.
“In this regard, organization work and other church-related activities that cater to the public is suspended,” Coronel added.
However, daily online masses and devotions will continue to be streamed live via the church’s social media pages, he noted.
Metro Manila is currently under Alert Level 3 as its COVID-19 infections continue to soar and amid the threat of the Omicron variant.
To help contain the spread of the virus, this year’s celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene was also suspended.
