Ruadhán Jones
A Derry parish has suspended Mass after two parishioners tested positive for coronavirus having attending a family gathering.
Fr Neil Farren of Ardmore parish announced the “sad news” in a video on the parish Facebook page.
Speaking in the video, Fr Farren said: “I have sad news to relate to you at this time. We have Covid-19 in this wider region at this present time and also in our parish, so in consultation with our Ardmore pastoral council members we have decided to ask the public not to attend Mass in Ardmore until further notice.”
Family event
Fr Farren added that he will continue to celebrate Mass in the chapel alone and the Masses can be attended through Facebook or www.churchmedia.tv.
Fr Farren told Belfast Live that a middle aged, married couple contacted him to explain they had contracted the virus at a family event.
“They are good law abiding people and have always been very conscious of social distancing,” he said.
Speaking on Facebook, Fr Farren wished his parishioners well and said he hoped “all of you will remain in good health and to all of you remember, stay safe with good hand hygiene and social distancing”.