HANOI (UCAN): At least five dioceses in Vietnam have called on Catholics to restrict religious activities to contain a massive new Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) wave sweeping into many cities and provinces.
Father Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thang, head of the Bishop’s Office in Bac Ninh, said the fourth wave of Covid-19 infections that began on April 27 has reached many areas of the country. Locally transmitted infections were recently detected in the diocese, which covers five provinces and part of Hanoi.
Father Nguyen called on people to take preventative measures as advised by health authorities and to conduct pastoral ministries according to their situations. He noted that in places where gatherings are banned, Masses should only be celebrated with a few people. Priests and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist may administer the Communion at homes or residential areas he said on May 7.
He said that the elderly, patients, Covid-19 suspects and those who are in quarantine or isolated areas should attend online services.
“Churches in isolated areas should be open around the clock so that individuals and families go to say prayers, adore the Eucharist and recite rosaries to pray for humankind in the difficult time,” Father Nguyen said.
Father Paul Pham Thanh Thao, head of the Bishop’s Office in Da Nang, said the government had suspended cultural and religious activities and sports events from May 4 in Da Nang and May 5 in the ancient town of Hoi An in Quang Nam province.
Father Pham said Bishop Joseph Dang Duc Ngan had asked local parishes to suspend all religious services in the two places until further notice and that people should attend online Masses.
Bishop Peter Nguyen Van De of Thai Binh, in northern Vietnam, called people work with each other to contain the outbreak. He reminded them to regularly cleanse their hands with disinfectants, wear facemasks in public places, maintain social distancing and steer clear of gatherings.
Bishop Nguyen said priests should decide whether to celebrate Sunday Masses or Solemnities according to local conditions.
The bishop called on people to pay attention to their health and to report to authorities for medical treatment if they have unusual health problems.
He said the new wave of Covid-19 infections is not yet under control so people should limit their travel to public places.
Father Joseph Vo Cong Tien, vicar general of the Diocese of Ba Ria, asked priests to celebrate more Masses Sundays to meet the needs of Catholics after provincial officials asked for essential services to be limited to maximum attendance of 50.
The Diocese of Ha Tinh, asked people to suspend non-essential religious activities and clean church facilities and their homes.
Vietnam has reported 176 confirmed Covid-19 cases in 19 cities and provinces since the fourth wave was detected on April 27. Hanoi and Bac Ninh province alone have 72 and 26 cases respectively.
Some 24 cities and provinces have closed schools to protect the health of students.
