The Jakarta Diocese has reminded Catholics to lower mobility by not traveling for homecoming or holidaying during the Christmas and year-end holidays to stem the spread of COVID-19.

“This appeal should be continuously conveyed to the congregation by the priest during masses as well as through social media belonging to the parishes,” Secretary General of the Jakarta Diocese, Adi Prasojo, noted in a written statement received here on Monday.

The appeal aligns with the government’s policy to implement the Level 3 of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) for all regions in Indonesia during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The policy aims to restrict public mobility in order to curb COVID-19 transmission.

The secretary general also called on the congregation to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination program as their obligations and rights as citizens.

Prasojo conveyed several efforts to stop the spread of the virus by implementing strict health protocols: wearing masks, washing hands, reducing mobility, avoiding crowds, and maintaining social distancing, as well as getting vaccinated.

“The parish priest and the parish council are also responsible to support the government’s efforts in handling the pandemic,” he remarked.

Regarding the holding of masses, the Jakarta Diocese only allows mass service to be conducted at churches, with a limited capacity, and must follow the set provisions there.

People about to join the mass service are required to use the Belarasa page and the PeduliLindungi application in order to offer a sense of comfort, security, and solemnity during worship. The people must also be vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Christmas and New Year mass services can be held at 40 percent of the church capacity. The parish will conduct a trial with the quota on November 27-28.

“The parish is required to conduct a trial period of the 40-percent quota starting on Advent Sunday,” he noted.

Source: Antara News