The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, otherwise known as Quiapo Church, will be closed for two weeks beginning Thursday to help the government avert the Covid-19 surge.

“The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, Parish of St. John the Baptist (Quiapo Church), and all its offices will be temporarily closed today, January 13 until January 26, 2022, as part of our efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19, given the current surge in cases we are experiencing,” Msgr. Hernando Coronel, rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

“In this regard, organizational work and other church-related activities that cater to the public is suspended,” he added.

“However, we will still continue to have our daily online masses and devotions streamed live on our social media pages and accounts,” he said.

During the two-week closure, Coronel said they will be disinfecting the church and their offices. (PNA)