KL Archdiocese: No public masses in Klang Valley on Christmas to curb Covid-19

PETALING JAYA: There will be no public masses in the Klang Valley throughout the Christmas season, as the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur step up efforts to guard against further Covid-19 infections.

Archbishop Julian Leow has decided that public masses in all parishes under the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur will be suspended from Christmas Eve on Dec 24 until Ephiphany on Jan 3.

In a statement issued by Archdiocese Chancellor Fr Michael Chua, Archbishop Leow said although the church has taken necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease, such measures would be inadequate, especially in managing a large crowd.

"Due to relaxation of interstate travel restrictions and with the expected increase in visitors returning to their hometowns or travelling during the

holidays, contact listing and pre-registration for Masses may be rendered exceedingly difficult, if not impossible.

"Even though the National Security Council (NSC) and state authorities may choose to relax their restrictions, the hike in sporadic cases and emergence of new clusters in these past few weeks increases the risk of transmission in closed-door large gatherings such as a public Mass," he said in a statement.

The decision will affect about 40 churches and 20 chapels in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur.

Archbishop Leow also encouraged churchgoers to follow masses online via https://Tv.ArchKL.org and reminded Catholics to be vigilant to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from Covid-19.