The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño here has relaxed its anti-coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) measures and now allows devotees aged 15 to 65 years old inside the church’s premises.

The Augustinian friars who run the centuries-old minor basilica said that the adjustment of the age limit was in response to the easing of restrictions ordered by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

“Please be informed that persons between 15 to 65 years old are now allowed to enter the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu. Please be reminded to follow the health protocols and safety measures implemented by the Basilica,” the friars said in an advisory on Wednesday.

The IATF-EID recently allowed the youth aged between 15 to 20 years and senior citizens who are between 60 to 65 years old to go out of their houses.

In the guidelines, churches in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) are permitted to accommodate churchgoers up to 75 percent of their capacity.

Cebu City has downgraded to the more relaxed MGCQ for more than a month already.

The Basilica has been strictly implementing basic health protocols within the church premises, including the observance of physical distancing, wearing of face masks and face shields, and regular disinfection.

Mayor Edgardo Labella is expected to issue a new executive order adopting the IATF’s easing of rules, particularly on relaxed age restrictions. (PNA)