Curbs imposed on Sunday Mass

Diocese decides to take precautionary measures in view of COVID-19 threat

Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy interacting with health department staff during night rounds on Thursday to check measures to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Puducherry and Cuddalore Diocese has decided to restrict Sunday Mass in order to avoid a large gathering till March 31 as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19.

Arch Bishop of the Diocese Anthony Anandarayar informed the decision to restrict Sunday Mass and other public gathering in churches to a delegation led by Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy when they called on him on Friday.

Thanking the diocese for the gesture, the Chief Minister told reporters that pujas in temples and Friday prayer in mosques were also cancelled as part of the preparations to deal with novel coronavirus. The Diocese will give necessary instructions to churches to hold Sunday Mass without any gathering, the Chief Minister said.

On Thursday night the Chief Minister inspected the border areas to enquire about the screening conducted by Health Department staff and medical students of people visiting the territory. Speaking to reporters after winding up the inspection, the Chief Minister said all preventive measures are being put in place to prevent any outbreak of the virus in the Union Territory.

Details collected

He said details of foreign nationals such as their travel history, date of arrival in the country and place of stay in Puducherry were being collected for further monitoring. Welcoming the Prime Minister’s appeal to observe ‘janata curfew,’ the Chief Minister said people should respond to the call given by the PM as he has made it out of his concern for the health of people.