HONG KONG (SE): The Diocese of Hong Kong suspended weekday and Sunday public Masses once again on December 2 as the government tightened up social distancing measures as a fourth wave of Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infections hit the city towards the end of November.
However, churches and chapels remain open for personal prayer and visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
Precautionary measures, which are already in place, include wearing masks, temperature screening, the sanitising of hands and maintaining social distancing between individuals.
Other religious activities have also been curtailed with the exception of weddings, which are limited to 20 participants, and funerals where there is no restriction on the number of participants.
People are encouraged to take part in Sunday Mass and receive spiritual Communion online, for example, via the diocesan website at www.catholic.org.hk, or the HKDAVC’s YouTube page. They are also encouraged to reflect on the Sunday readings, read the Bible or recite the rosary.
Initially, the diocese suspended public Masses on February 15 for two weeks, but when the situation worsened, it was extended. Ash Wednesday and Easter passed without any public celebration.
Public Masses resumed briefly in June but activities were suspended from July 15 to 28 amid a third wave of the contagion.
Hong Kong has reported 6,590 Covid-19 cases with 109 deaths.
