After suspending regular church Masses for two weeks due to rising cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) here, the Saint William Cathedral will resume one daily Mass from Monday to Saturday starting May 17.

In a public announcement on Saturday, Rev. Father Ambrose Emeric Monroy said one Mass would be celebrated each day at 6 a.m. while the 5 p.m. Mass would remain suspended until further notice.

“As regards the number of people allowed inside the church during celebrations, we shall adhere to the 30 percent maximum seating capacity rule, as stated in the latest executive order of Governor Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc,” Monroy said.

The regular Sunday Masses will also resume on May 23, including the Barangay Sunday Masses as scheduled but the minimum health and safety protocols will be strictly observed.

Funerals are also allowed at designated days and times scheduled at the parish office.

While the Covid-19 situation in the city is still considered high risk, he said there shall be no church celebrations of baptism and weddings yet.

“In all our celebrations, let us be mindful in observing the standard health protocols that are in place,” Monroy said.

Over the past two weeks, the parishes in the cities and municipalities of Ilocos Norte recorded more than 10 active Covid-19 cases in Bacarra, Laoag, Pasuquin, Sarrat, Vintar, Badoc, Banna, Batac, Dingras, San Nicolas, and Solsona.

They were temporarily closed to help contain the spread of the virus.

Parishioners have been encouraged to hear Mass online for their safety and protection.

In an earlier statement, Manotoc urged all organizations in the province to tighten and strengthen their Covid-19 protocols, such as working from home, working and meeting outdoors, improving ventilation in workspaces, and not eating and drinking around others. (PNA)