So far, 184 people have been infected in Pakistan. Card Coutts calls on the faithful to “continue praying and fasting” for the sick to get better. Local parishes are on high alter. Caritas Karachi held a seminar on how to prevent infections and protect human health.
Karachi (AsiaNews) – The Pakistani Catholic Church welcomes the steps taken by the Sindh government to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak. So far, 184 cases have been reported in Pakistan.
Yesterday Card Joseph Coutts, Archbishop of Karachi, issued a statement asking the faithful and the diocese’s parishes to respect health regulations.
In his message, the cardinal calls on priests “who distribute the Holy Communion to wear a mask and clean their hands with sanitising liquid before communion.”
Noting the great efforts made by Italy and other countries to fight the outbreak, he urges the faithful not to go to church at present given the emergency situation.
The archbishop is hoping and praying that warmer temperatures will reduce the spread of the virus. In the meantime, he calls on all parishes to heed and respect government directives.
Above all, “I urge the faithful to continue praying and fasting during this period of Lent for those who courageously work to help coronavirus victims and others."
Last Saturday, the Karachi branch of Caritas Pakistan held a seminar to inform people about the new emergency and the health practices necessary to contain the infection.
In particular, the session was aimed at women and children to increase their awareness of the seriousness of the virus and the need to protect themselves.
Dr Richard Marshall illustrated the symptoms of the disease, which manifests itself with breathing difficulties, fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
The doctor also talked about complications in patients such as pneumonia, kidney infections, and acute respiratory syndrome.
Sarfraz Anwar, project officer for Caritas Karachi, handed out material to participants, passers-by, and street vendors.