The Archdiocese of Manila is allowing all its churches to accept worshippers starting Wednesday (March 24) at a 10-percent seating capacity.

In a pastoral instruction for this year’s Holy Week observance issued on Tuesday, Apostolic Administrator of Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo assured that minimum standards of the health protocols will be strictly followed.

“But within our churches starting March 24, we will have our religious worship within 10 percent of our maximum church capacity. Let the worshippers be spread apart within our churches, using the health protocols that we have been so consistently implementing,” the Catholic prelate added.

He said there will be no religious activities outside churches such as Senakulo, Pabasa, processions, motorcades, and Visita Iglesia.

The archdiocese covers the cities of Mandaluyong, Makati, Manila, Pasay, and San Juan.

The government has prohibited religious gatherings including the holding of Eucharistic celebration from March 22 to April 4 in areas five areas due to the rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

These are Metro Manila, the provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Bulacan.

Weddings, baptisms, and funerals are allowed with a maximum of 10 attendees. (PNA)