UCA News
Contribute

Philippine lawmakers join Covid lockdown calls

Senators call for closure of churches, movement restrictions as fears over Delta variant grow
Philippine lawmakers join Covid lockdown calls

Churches in the Philippines may have to close again as fears mount over the threat posed by the Delta strain of Covid-19. (Photo: Maria Tan)

Published: July 21, 2021 08:56 AM GMT
Updated: July 21, 2021 09:01 AM GMT

Philippine lawmakers have joined calls for the government to act decisively to curb a rise in Covid-19 cases caused by the highly contagious Delta variant, including closing churches again.

Echoing a warning from a Catholic priest last week, Senator Nancy Binay said the country is now at a “tipping point” where the government and church officials should address the Delta variant.

On July 20, health authorities said they had detected 35 Delta cases in the Philippines.

The strain, first detected in India, is 50 percent more contagious than the original strain, according to world health bodies.

Binay said Philippine authorities should focus on imposing stricter border controls and social restrictions, which might mean closing churches temporarily if necessary.

Churches in the Philippines reopened in July last year after closing for three months following the initial virus outbreak. 

We need to regulate the number of people in enclosed spaces like shops, gyms, even in churches, as the Delta variant will spread quickly indoors 

“We only have two options that the government must focus on. We implement strict border controls and regulate people’s movements in public places including places of worship,” Binay told ABS-CBN.

She said she was afraid that without proper precautions health workers may contract the virus despite being fully vaccinated.

“The Department of Health has to prepare for the possibility of our fully vaccinated healthcare workers acquiring the Delta variant. They are more prone to infection and can spread the virus easily within their families,” she said.

Senator Francis Pangilinan also said that maybe it is time for authorities to place the capital once again under enhanced community quarantine — the strictest lockdown status that also prohibits religious gatherings and other gatherings outside of homes.

Two other senators, Sonny Angara and Koko Pimentel, made similar calls.

“What is important is that the people’s movement is monitored … We need to regulate the number of people in enclosed spaces like shops, gyms, even in churches, as the Delta variant will spread quickly indoors,” Angara told ABS-CBN on July 20.

“Our guiding principle must be what is essential. General rule: stay at home. Exception: Go out only for essential actives,” Pimentel said on Facebook.

The Philippines has so far recorded 1.5 million Covid-19 cases and 26,844 deaths.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia