Catholics attending the nine-day Simbang Gabi from 16 to 24 December were urged yesterday by church leaders to observe Covid health protocols.

Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David issued the reminder as president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.

In a message to Daily Tribune, Bishop Ambo referred to CBCP's October circular which urged churchgoers to physically attend masses following the relaxation of pandemic restrictions.

"Just the most basic reminders: Mask, just a bow for the sign of peace, no holding hands. Those with symptoms are advised to stay home," the Bishop said, adding local government units have yet to prescribe indoor capacities in churches.

"From experience, people, even while masked, have gotten quite used to maintaining at least one-foot distance from each other on pews," the bishop said. So we spread monobloc chairs on the outdoor patio," he explained.

The bishop said the police, as always, would on hand to assist the church in maintaining health protocols, such as physical distancing.