Vatican announces stricter measures to control the spread of the covid-19 coronavirus

Pope Francis on Wednesday held his first General Audience since sweeping measures were imposed throughout Italy to contain the coronavirus epidemic.

The Audience was livestreamed from the Library of the Apostolic Palace, to avoid the large gatherings of people that typically fill St Peter’s Square to hear the Holy Father.

Pope Francis offered words of closeness and consolation to those afflicted by Covid-19, but also to those suffering from other ailments. He thanked all those who are assisting them, especially Christians “and all men and women of good will, whatever their religious tradition” who are praying in these difficult times.

But, he added, “I would not want this suffering, this very serious epidemic, to make us forget the poor Syrian people, who are suffering on the border between Greece and Turkey: a people who have suffered for years… Let us not forget our brothers and sisters, including so many children, who are suffering there.”

St. Peter’s Basilica and Square will remain closed to tourists and guided tours until 3 April.

The Holy See Press Office announced the closures on Tuesday afternoon in a communique.

As of Tuesday, the Vatican Post Office’s mobile unit in St. Peter’s Square will also be shut down, along with the two sales points of the Vatican Publishing House and the Photographic Service of the Osservatore Romano, which will remain available online.

The Vatican’s mess hall will close its doors to employees as of Wednesday, but is activating a meal delivery service for the various offices of the Holy See and the Vatican City State.

Guests and employees can still access the Vatican pharmacy and supermarket, though entrances will be restricted to avoid crowds forming inside.

The measures will remain in effect until at least 3 April 2020 to avoid spreading the Covid-19 coronavirus, according to the communique.

Read more via Vatican News