coronavirus
Coronavirus cases from R.I. Catholic school trip closes building
A member of St. Raphael Academy tested positive for the virus after returning from a school trip to Italy. For a week students will study at home, and all sports and other activities are cancelled.
Lourdes shrine closes healing pools as precaution against coronavirus
Pilgrims to the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes were still welcome, but the pools the sick bathe in hoping for healing will close temporarily, as the number of people with coronavirus in Europe grows.
Pope skips penance service with Rome clergy due to mild cold
According to a Feb. 27 Vatican press statement, Pope Francis stayed close to home but proceeded with other commitments as Italy works to contain the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 500 and killed some 12-14 in that nation.
With no Ash Wednesday Masses, bishops in northern Italy share prayers
Parishes in several dioceses offered alternative ways to begin the celebration of Lent, as liturgies were cancelled to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
As coronavirus spreads, Holy Land Catholics concerned, but sites still open
After Israel reported that members of a South Korean tour group were infected with COVID-19, a spokesman for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said officials were advising pilgrims to follow health ministry instructions, without giving in to panic or rumors.
Northern Italian dioceses take drastic measures against coronavirus
The Archdiocese of Milan has canceled Ash Wednesday services, public celebrations of the Mass and even funeral liturgies until further notice, in compliance with Italian government precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
Vietnamese priest serves villagers quarantined for coronavirus
Since Feb. 16, Father Joseph Hoang Trong Huu has served nearly 11,000 residents in the Son Loi commune, which the government sealed off Feb. 13 for 20 days due to fears over the COVID-19 virus.
British Columbia couple on quarantined cruise ship relying on faith
Marichu and Ding Camales-Torrijos don't expect to leave the Diamond Princess until Feb. 19 after the cruise ship was quarantined following discovery of the coronavirus on board.
Hong Kong Diocese cancels Masses to prevent coronavirus from spreading
Cardinal John Tong, apostolic administrator of Hong Kong, said the "disappointing" decision had been made to suppress the epidemic, which has sickened more than 60,000 and killed some 1,300.
Chinese Catholic charity needs medical supplies to fight coronavirus
As deaths continue to rise from the coronavirus epidemic, many masks and protective clothing are consumed daily by health care workers. More than 24,500 people are now infected and face pneumonia.