CEBU CITY – Augustinian friars have cancelled all public masses at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño as a measure to prevent the spread of the deadly Covid-19 following a surge of devotees in the church.
Fr. Pacifico Nohara Jr., said devotees and pilgrims can only participate in novena masses and celebrations for the Fiesta Señor 2021 through live streaming via Facebook, YouTube, and other broadcast partners.
“For four days, we have observed that the surge of people coming to venerate and celebrate the novena Masses has brought us into a conclusion that a greater action should be done to prevent us from (getting) the virus,” Nohara said.
In a separate advisory, he said despite the cancellation of Holy Masses, the Basilica will still be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the pilgrims and devotees who want to visit the image of the Santo Niño.
“Pilgrims and devotees are strictly advised to observe and follow the minimum health protocols implemented in the Basilica,” the advisory reads. The devotees and pilgrims are permitted inside the Basilica only for “quick veneration of the image of Santo Niño and offering of personal prayers.”
The decision to cancel all public masses at the Basilica came after the Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas reported dozens of new cases here.
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) here said medical experts continue to clarify that the sudden increase of cases is attributable to the social gatherings celebrated during the Christmas season. “EOC reminds the public that the virus follows the human behavioral pattern, and it is only human behavior that curbs its spread,” it said.
The EOC recommended that those who have participated in social gatherings, especially during the Santo Niño pilgrimage to self-isolate for 14 days, especially if they start to experience the symptoms of the coronavirus.
Vice Mayor Michael Rama, who oversees the cultural aspect of the Sinulog 2021, said the Sinulog Foundation also cancelled the inter-village dance ritual competition to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the production of cultural events to be aired via a virtual platform. (John Rey Saavedra)
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