CBCP reminds faithful to continue to observe health protocols this Christmas – Manila Bulletin

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has reminded the public to continue to observe the minimum health protocols this Christmas despite the ease in restrictions.

CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Health Care vice chairman Military Ordinariate Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio said the threat of the coronavirus remains and because gatherings are inevitable this Christmas, everyone must be mindful of their safety from getting the virus.

“Let’s be prudent in whatever we do with extra care. Let us stay safe from the threat of Covid-19,” said Bishop Florencio over Radio Veritas.

Aside from merry making and attending gatherings, the Church leader reminded the faithful to thank God for His many blessings three years after the pandemic began.

“Let us not forget to thank the Lord for His many blessings and to ask for His provisions because without His help, we cannot do anything against the coronavirus,” the bishops said.

The Archdiocese of Manila earlier called on the faithful to continue to observe the minimum public health standards against Covid-19 as it required mass attendees in parishes under its jurisdiction to continue to wear their face masks inside the church premises.

The Department of Health has recorded more than 4 million cases of Covid-19 in the country since March 2020, with more than 64,000 deaths and 3.9 million recoveries. Experts said the figures could be higher due to unreported cases. The country has 18,000 active Covid-19 cases.