The use of masks will be mandatory in the processions that take place during Holy Week the Archbishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulloa, announced Sunday.

Even though the Ministry of Health (Minsa) has determined that the use of masks can be dispensed with outdoors during processions “it will be mandatory to use the mask, as well as the safety distance between those who participate.

The measure is in force throughout the Archdiocese of Panama, which includes the community of Tortí, in the eastern area, to San Carlos, province of West Panama.

Likewise, Ulloa recalled in his note that "the reception of communion in the hand, the use of alcohol gel, the cleaning of the area used between each celebration, as well as the orderly and agile eviction of the church to avoid crowds" is in force.

Earlier this week, the Panamanian Episcopal Conference issued a statement highlighting that it is up to the parish priests and their Covid-19 hygiene and health committee to determine the capacity of the churches according to the provisions established by the Minsa and the particular conditions of each community.