Public masses in Singapore suspended amid coronavirus outbreak

ABS-CBN News
Posted at Feb 15 2020 06:27 PM
Tourists wear protective face masks at the Merlion Park in Singapore, Jan. 28, 2020. Feline Lim, Reuters
MANILA - All public Masses in Singapore have been suspended indefinitely starting Saturday, Feb. 15, to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said Friday.
"As Catholics, we need to be responsible in playing our part to contain the spread of this virus by avoiding large gatherings of people," Archbishop of Singapore William Goh said in a statement.
Also suspended are large gatherings, such as sessions, retreats and seminars.
Weddings and funerals, which are considered private services where only invited guests can attend, are allowed, but arrangements will have to be made with the parish priest.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding. Let us continue to pray for each other, especially those who have succumbed to this illness... Pray also for those in the front-lines -- the doctors and the nurses -- who are putting their own well-being in the service of the sick," Goh added.
The Philippine Embassy in Singapore also advised Filipinos to observe the precautionary measures against the disease.
In Singapore, there are 58 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Friday, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show. Of this number, 36 are attributed to possible local transmission.
To fulfill the obligation of keeping the Day of the Lord holy, the Catholic faithful in Singapore are advised to follow the broadcast of the Mass on the CatholicSG Youtube channel; gather as a family for the Liturgy of the Word by spending time together in prayer, reading the Word of God of the Sunday Liturgy, and interceding for the world; or spend at least half an hour in quiet time to pray and read the Word of God.
The Catholic Church in Hong Kong earlier implemented a similar measure amid the threat of the COVID-19 outbreak.
All public Masses were suspended for 2 weeks in Hong Kong, which has recorded 53 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and 1 death.

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