Twin Cities Catholics Dispensed From Mass Over Coronavirus Fears

TWIN CITIES, MN — Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis is allowing Catholics in the Twin Cities metro to choose to skip Mass in order to avoid the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19.

"Due to the increasing number of confirmed COVID-19/coronavirus cases in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, I determine it prudent to dispense all Catholics in the territory of this Archdiocese from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, until further notice," Hebda said in a statement Thursday.

The Minnesota Department of Health says that nine cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, have been confirmed in the state. Those cases have been found in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, Stearns counties.

At least 316 patients have been tested in Minnesota so far.

"If the faithful decide that congregating for Sunday Mass would constitute a risk to themselves or others, they have the freedom not to attend," Hebda added. "Masses, however, will continue to be celebrated in our parishes as regularly scheduled at this time."

Hebda is asking Catholics to join in a "special day of fasting, abstinence, and prayer invoking God’s help in these challenging days for our Archdiocese, our country and the world" on Wednesday, March 18.

"On that day, I invite Catholics who are ordinarily bound to observe fast and abstinence on Ash Wednesday to prayerfully make this same sacrifice next Wednesday."

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MDH recommends that the most important thing Minnesotans can do right now to protect themselves, their families and their communities is to take everyday steps to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Those include:

• Staying home if you have cold or flu-like symptoms and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve , and then throwing the tissue in the trash.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds , especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Read more in Minnesota Coronavirus coverage:

• Coronavirus: 9 Cases In Minnesota Confirmed As Of Thursday
• Gov. Tim Walz Authorizes Funds For Coronavirus Response
• Target Sets Purchase Limits Amid New Coronavirus Outbreak
• Gophers Game, Big Ten Tournament Canceled
• Minnesota Vikings Suspend Travel For Coaches, Scouts