Catholic church member in Puchong tests positive for Covid-19

A computer image, made by Nexu Science Communication and Trinity College in Dublin, of a betacoronavirus, which is the type of virus linked to Covid-19. — NEXU Science Communication/Reuters

PETALING JAYA: A parishioner from a Catholic church has ested positive for Covid-19, says the Chancery of the Catholic Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur.

Its chancellor Rev Fr Michael Chua said in a notice that the parishioner from the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (OLOG) in Puchong has been admitted to the Sungai Buloh Hospital after testing positive for the virus on Thursday (March 5).

"We are waiting for more details and further direction from the Health Ministry (MOH). We anticipate that the MOH will begin the exercise of contact tracing. Both the parish and the Archdiocese will offer our fullest cooperation to expedite this matter," he said in a notice dated Friday (March 6).

Chua said the parish priest of OLOG, Fr Albet Arockiasamy, had alerted parishioners of the situation and has begun to conduct preliminary contact tracing.

"Fr Albet has also informed his parishioners, especially those who have been identified as having had close contact with the patient to undergo testing, to isolate themselves from any public activities, and monitor their health for the next 14 days.

"He is prepared to implement any further measures required by MOH," he said.

Chua noted that OLOG has conducted thorough cleaning and sanitation, adding that the church is open for mass this weekend.

Chua added that the Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Most Rev Julian Leow has also commissioned a special crisis task force comprising clergy, medical doctors and chancery staff, to help monitor the development of the crisis, to address issues more expeditiously, and to review and recommend safety guidelines for the local church.

"In order to avoid unnecessary fear and panic, we call upon all Catholics to refrain from disseminating unverified news and information on Covid-19," he said.

He also urged for parishioners to pray and to call for God's protection and care.