By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — With effect from today (31 July), all Catholic Churches within Kuching, Kota Sentosa, Kota Samarahan and Kota Padawan will suspend Masses and Services until further notice.
Archdiocese of Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh said the decision was made after consultation with all Parish Rectors. Only parishes in Red Zone areas are affected. Churches in Yellow and Green Zones will continue to remain open.
He added that this move is the Catholic Church’s contribution to help curb the spread of COVID-19. The State authorities have reaffirmed positively the SOPs put in place in all Churches since their reopening in June and July.
The suspension of Mass not only prevents a drain on SDMC resources should an infected parishioner be found to attend Mass, but this decision also allows the authorities to focus on current contact tracing without additional burden of new positive cases in a Red Zone.
Archbishop Simon Poh appeals to all Catholics to practise social responsibility and to conform to the procedures as laid out in his Pastoral Letter.
