A church Rector in Nantwich has urged some worshippers to stay away after it emerged some who attended Christmas services later tested positive for COVID-19.
Mark Hart, Rector of St Mary’s Church in Nantwich, said the church is still open for public worship in Tier 4.
But he wrote to parishioners at the weekend, strongly advising those who are “extremely” or “moderately” vulnerable to the virus to not attend Sunday services.
He said urging people not to attend was “something I never expected to say”.
Rector Hart (pictured) added: “If you are in the ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ category, you really should not attend.
“Many who are moderately vulnerable would also be wise not to attend.
“No one will be turned away of course, but the risk is serious.
“We should act as if we, and those we meet, are carriers of the virus.
“There are people who attended our Christmas services who tested positive a few days later.”
Rev Hart has cancelled all Sunday 6pm services until further notice, and Morning Prayer will no longer be heard in church.
“We are still able to open for public worship in Tier 4,” he added.
“However we wish to balance having enough services to accommodate people, but not more than necessary.
“Also it won’t be possible to continue the children’s group in the Parish Hall at the 9.30am service.”
The 9.30am and 10.45am services will be continue to be streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
On Wednesday January 6, the church will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany at the 11am service of Holy Communion.
Oh for goodness sake, why did this happen?? that is an epic failure as what is wrong with a socially distanced OUTSIDE service, why did it have to take place inside?