Manila archdiocese encourages voluntary wearing of face masks as Simbang Gabi begins

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 15) — The Archdiocese of Manila has asked the Catholic faithful to voluntarily wear face masks inside the church as the Simbang Gabi begins on Saturday.

It said its Ministry on Health Care recommended that health and safety protocols must be observed during the Christmas season.

«We continue to receive reports about incidences of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. But we will not allow them to deprive us of Christmas joy,» Archbishop Jose Advincula said in a circular issued on Friday.

The circular also said that those who are ill must stay at home to prevent the spread of infection.

«Let these measures be our gesture of charity and compassion for others, especially those who are vulnerable,» Advincula said.

The Department of Health noted a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases, with 260 average daily infections recorded from Dec. 5 to 11 — a rise from the 191 average cases from the previous week.

There were also growing concerns about «walking pneumonia.»

But health officials already allayed fears over the recent cases of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases.

Also known as Misa de Gallo, the Simbang Gabi will start at the dawn of Dec. 16 and end on Christmas Eve, December 24.