KOTA KINABALU: Christian congregants here are glad to be back at church for mass, even if they must adhere to strict Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Noah Bingkasan, 33, said four months of not attending prayer sessions was a trial.
"Growing up, we went to church every week … it just doesn't feel right attending online masses at home.
"When the government allowed churches to resume their sessions, I felt 'resurrected'," said Noah, who was among 221 congregants at St Catherine's church at Inanam near here, this morning.
The open-air church, which has a capacity of 1,500 people, only allowed 500 worshippers – or one third of its capacity – to attend at a time.
After the 500th person entered, the main gate of the church was closed.
Those aged below 12 and above 70, and those with chronic illnesses were prohibited from entering.
Mass usually begins at 8am, but due to the process of temperature screening and contact tracing recording, the church rescheduled it to 9am.
A police officer also dropped by for an inspection.
Meanwhile, priest Fr David Sham spared 30 minutes to remind churchgoers to abide by the SOPs effective until August, failing which the church and individuals might be compounded.
"The deadly Covid-19 pandemic is not over yet. If you and others are wearing masks at all times, it could prevent the spread of infection.
"If any one of us gets infected, the church will have to be closed again," he said, and urged attendees not to gather outside the church before and after service.
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