Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 3) — The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, or Quiapo Church, will be temporarily closed from January 3 to 6 amid rising COVID-19 cases.
Rev. Fr. Douglas Badong, the parochial vicar, said the three-day closure will give way to the church’s disinfection ahead of the Feast of Black Nazarene on January 9.
“Dahil sa balita na biglaang pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID sa Manila, kaya naisipan namin na pansamantalang isara ang Simbahan ng Quiapo mula Jan. 3 hanggang Jan. 6,” said Badong in a video message on Sunday night.
[Translation: Because of the news of the rise in COVID-19 cases in Manila, we decided to temporarily close the Quiapo Church from Jan. 3 to Jan. 6.]
“Ito ay pakikiisa ng simbahan para maiwasan ang paglaganap ng COVID [19]. Makapabigay daan po tayo sa paglililinis at pagdi-disinfect ng simbahan bilang paghahanda na rin sa napakahalagang araw para sa ating mga deboto,” he added.
[Translation: This is the way of the church to stop the spread of COVID-19. We will also give way for the disinfection of the church in preparation for the most important day for our devotees.]
Badong said that novena masses will be done virtually for now. The church will reopen on January 7, he added.
Metro Manila is under Alert Level 3 from Jan. 3 to 15 following the recent increase in COVID-19 infections and the detection of local Omicron variant cases.
Under Alert Level 3, several activities, including in-person religious gatherings, shall be allowed at a maximum of 30% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and 50% outdoor venue capacity.
