HANOI (UCAN): Three dioceses in Vietnam cancelled end-of-Lunar-New-Year pastoral activities and called on Catholics to take preventative measures to stem the new coronavirus outbreak.
Government officials and health workers are racing against time to stop the surge in Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infections which has spread to nine cities and provinces, resulting in 257 new cases since the first new community transmissions were detected in the two provinces of Hai Duong and Quang Ninh on January 27.
They have set up quarantine centers, provided massive testing, closed down schools, bars and discos in some places, and fined those who failed to wear face masks.
Bishop Cosme Hoang Van Dat of Bac Ninh said the Covid-19 outbreak has been developing uncontrollably and spreading quickly, ordering that all planned end-of-Lunar-New-Year ceremonies, patron feasts of associations, meetings and priestly retreats to be suspended, starting on January 29. In places where social distancing is required, priests should celebrate liturgical services simply many times per day so that people in small groups can attend.
The bishop advised elderly people, patients and those who are in quarantine centres to attend online Masses, adding that churches in places under quarantine should be open around the clock for visitation and prayer.
Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien, apostolic administrator of Haiphong, called off a February 1 year-end gathering because of the resurgence of Covid-19. He called on people to maintain social distancing by attending online services on the diocese’s website, starting on January 30.
Father Peter Kieu Cong Tung, chancellor of the Archdiocese Ho Chi Minh City, called on people to remain vigilant against the new outbreak as health officials warned about high risks of outbreak in the country’s largest city.
Father Tung asked people to restrict non-essential activities, clean church facilities and houses, wash their hands regularly, wear face masks, keep themselves at a safe distance and receive the Eucharist by hand.
He also asked parishes to follow previous anti-Covid-19 measures issued by the Church in 2020.
As of February 1, Vietnam had reported 1,819 confirmed Covid-19 infections with 35 deaths.
