SIX people working for the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu who earlier tested positive for Covid-19 have already recovered from the disease.

Following this development, officials of the Basilica are now preparing their facilities for the eventual reopening of the church.

In a statement issued on Friday, July 17, 2020, Rev. Fr. Andres Rivera of the Order of St. Augustine said their six workers, composed of one symptomatic and five asymptomatic patients, fully recovered from Covid-19 after undergoing treatment and quarantine since May 25.

Rivera, who serves as the OSA’s Prior Provincial of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu in the Philippines, earlier ordered the closure of the Basilica after some workers tested positive for the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19.

Rev. Fr. Aladdin Luzon, OSA, who serves as Basilica spokesperson, said they will reopen to the public only when Cebu City shifts to general community quarantine status.

Cebu City is currently under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) status.

He said they will follow the guidelines issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines pursuant to the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases 7 on mass gatherings.

As prescribed, those below 21 years old and 60 years old and above will temporarily not be allowed to enter the premises of the Basilica as they are also not allowed to go out of their homes amid the current community quarantine status.

Only one entrance and exit for the pilgrims and devotees will be opened.

The gate near the Magellan’s Cross will serve as the entrance.

Upon entry, the devotees and pilgrims are to observe health protocols such as putting alcohol on their hands and submitting to a body temperature check.

A booth will also be put up for persons whose body temperature is found to exceed 37.5 degrees Celsius.

Luzon said they will also set up three handwashing stations in the vicinity.

Only 300 persons or 10 percent of the Basilica’s capacity will be allowed entry to the Basilica.

“We in the Basilica’s ministry agreed that once the mass starts, we will discourage late massgoers from entering the church once we reach the 10 percent capacity,” Luzon added.

He then asked the faithful to be more vigilant and responsive to the call of the authorities to follow health standards amid the pandemic. (WBS)