KUALA LUMPUR: Public masses at Roman Catholic churches in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are suspended, effective tomorrow.
Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Most Reverend Julian Leow Beng Kim issued the directive in view of the increasing number of positive Covid-19 cases in the country.
"As the daily number of new Covid-19 positive cases has increased exponentially and is expected to surge in the next few weeks, and with the emergence of sporadic (unlinked) cases appearing in the community, especially in the Klang Valley, the Archdiocesan Crisis Management Task Force has recommended that additional public health measures be taken immediately to reduce the risk of transmission," Chancellor
Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur Reverend Father Michael Chua said in a statement today.
"This suspension," he noted, "will be reviewed before Oct 20 and the parishes will be notified accordingly of any future changes."
Father Chua added that parishes located within the states of Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Terengganu (which come under the purview of the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese) are to continue with scheduled masses, but should insist on pre-registration of parishioners wishing to attend mass, to ensure that non-resident persons travelling from other areas are not allowed to participate in those masses.
"Live-streaming of masses will continue for the benefit of those who are unable to attend mass in person," he added.
Additional measures for parishes located in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor include:
- A request from the Archdiocese to refrain from travelling to neighbouring states to attend mass to avoid the risk of transmission
- Celebrations of the sacraments of Confirmation, First Holy Communion and infant baptisms should be postponed until further notice
- Weddings should be postponed if possible. In the event that this is not possible, wedding guests should be confined to immediate family members or a number not exceeding 20 persons. Persons from high-risk categories, 70 years and above, and having pre-existing conditions are not allowed to attend.
- Funerals should be conducted with the attendance of family members only, with the number of attendees not exceeding 20 persons. Persons falling in high-risk categories, 70 years and above, and having pre-existing conditions are not allowed to attend.
Father Chua said that additional measures may be taken in the future for individual parishes and districts, should the situation worsen in those areas.
"Let us continue to be vigilant and fulfil our civic duty in working to bring this current second wave under control," he added.
"Let us also pray for all the health care personnel and first responders."