SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
The Diocese of Sacramento is moving some church services online in an effort to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus [COVID-19].
Due to the coronavirus, Bishop Jaime Soto announced Tuesday that public Masses would be suspended indefinitely. In lieu of public Masses, the Diocese of Sacramento will be livestreaming Mass through its Facebook page starting on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
The diocese’s website will also have a list of parishes that are offering live streaming services.
In a news release, church officials said canceling Mass is a response to public health official's recommendations against gatherings of 10 or more people. However, churches will remain open for private prayer.
Coronavirus background
According to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a family of viruses that is spreadable from person to person. Coronavirus is believed to have been first detected in a seafood market in Wuhan, China in December 2019. If someone is sick with coronavirus, the symptoms they may show include mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Currently, there is no vaccine, however, the CDC suggests the following precautions, along with any other respiratory illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
The CDC also says facemasks should only be used by people who show symptoms of the virus. If you’re not sick, you do not have to wear a facemask. The CDC says the immediate risk to the U.S. public is low.
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