Coronavirus: Vatican suspends
health services
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| A view of the street in front of St Peter's Basilica (AFP) |
As the Holy See considers measures to stem the spread of the
Covid-19 coronavirus, the Vatican has closed its healthcare services after a
patient tested positive for the disease.
By Vatican News
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni,
told reporters on Friday morning that the Vatican’s healthcare services have
been temporarily shuttered to disinfect facilities used for outpatient
services. The Emergency department remains open.
He said the measures were taken after a patient tested
positive with the Covid-19 coronavirus on Thursday.
“The Directorate of Health and Hygiene is informing the
competent Italian authorities and, in the meantime, the planned health
protocols have been initiated,” he added.
Pope on the mend
Earlier, on Thursday evening, Mr. Bruni briefed the media on
Pope Francis’ health, as he continues to recover from a common cold.
“The cold with which the Holy Father was diagnosed is
running its due course. He continues to celebrate Holy Mass daily and follow
the Spiritual Exercises, as we have reported in recent days.”
Vatican activities may be affected
Mr. Bruni also told reporters that the Vatican is
considering ways to avoid spreading the Covid-19 coronavirus.
“With regard to the upcoming activities of the Holy Father,
the Holy See, and the Vatican City State, measures are being studied to prevent
the spread of Covid-19”.
Any actions taken, he said, will be done in coordination
with measures decreed by the Italian authorities.
Masses, charity continue in Rome
The Diocese of Rome has cancelled all “non-sacramental
activities” until 15 March.
These include catechism classes, marriage preparation
courses, retreats, pilgrimages, and most other group activities.
Eucharistic celebrations continue normally in Rome’s
churches. But priests are discouraged from inviting the faithful to exchange
the sign of peace. Holy Water fonts are also to be emptied.
Despite these precautionary measures, Caritas Rome says the
Church’s acts of charity toward the poor will not stop.
Local churches are encouraged to keep soup kitchens open and
to provide shelter for the homeless and refugees, while respecting Italian
hygiene and sanitary directives.
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