MEMBERS of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in Cebu are advised that there will be no worship services at their respective chapels as a preventive measure against the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Instead, members are encouraged to stay at home and watch worship services through livestreaming.

“The district minister of Iglesia ni Cristo told me that they will no longer hold masses in their churches and members are advised to stay at home and pray,” said Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on Friday, March 20, 2020.

Garcia met with representatives of the INC, Archdiocese of Cebu, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Islamic Center of Cebu and the United Church for Christ in the Philippines on Monday afternoon, March 16, 2020.

Religious leaders in communities in Cebu have agreed to put on hold gatherings that would involve more than 20 people, as part of social distancing measures.

Earlier, the governor advised the public to put off dates for events such as weddings and baptisms as these will bring in large crowds.

The move is in compliance with Executive Order 5-G, which implements strict social distancing amid the continued spread of the Covid-19. (ANV, RTF)