Cebu Basilica cancels Sto. Niño novena Masses amid COVID spike

Officials at Cebu City's Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño canceled public novena masses and Fiesta Señor masses due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

The Augustinian friars urged devotees to participate in virtual masses instead, emphasizing that prevention is better than cure.

City health officials praised the basilica for taking an 'act of sacrifice' by canceling in-person masses and implementing strict health protocols.

Despite efforts inside the church, controlling crowds outside remains challenging with people violating physical distancing guidelines.