THE Archdiocese of Manila has called on all of its parishes, which have the available space, to serve as “safe haven” for healthcare workers and and other employees of medical facilities amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon.
In a statement, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Broderick Pabillo said he already issued the necessary instruction to his priests to provide accommodation for said workers.
“Now not only doctors and nurses are in need of lodging but also hospital maintenance people and orderlies. Either they cannot get home or there is no physical distancing in their homes. Can parishes clean up their meeting halls and other unused spaces and offer them for night lodging – with proper physical distancing?” Pabillo said.
Aside from providing accommodations, Pabillo also requested priests to provide transportation for the workers, if possible.
“You can also offer your vans to shuttle the health frontliners. They are so grateful that they can find welcome and safe haven in our churches,” Pabillo said.
During the 30-day ECQ, all public transportation in Luzon is suspended. The measure, which will end on April 13, 2020, aims to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Pabillo said they are also now coordinating with religious congregations within the Archdiocese to provide aid to those who are at risk and those who are involved in responding to Covid-19.
The prelate said the Ministry for Migrants, headed by Fr. Tem Fabros, will handle the needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who have returned from abroad and have become persons under monitoring (PUM) due to Covid-19.
Image credits: AP/Aaron Favila