THE Department of Health (DOH) appealed to the church to stop implementing for the meantime the traditional practice of “pahalik” (kissing of holy statues and images) and other similar activities.
In a press conference, DOH Spokesperson and Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they already gave reminders to the church regarding this practice of many devotees.
Vergeire reminded and reiterated that COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets that may enter the body through the nose and mouth.
This situation can happen whenever people repeatedly kiss the image or statue.
That is why, Vergeire said, that the DOH requested churches to refrain from implementing the “pahalik” practice in order to prevent another surge in COVID-19 cases.
She added that there are other forms of devotion that the public can do whenever they go to churches.
Meanwhile, Vergeire said that the DOH also does not recommend another Holy Week practice of reenacting the nailing of Jesus Christ to the cross.
Se warned that the practice of nailing one’s self to the cross may end up with tetanus, wound infection or possible blood loss.