Priest and parsishioners of Du Thanh parish in Ha Tinh gather for Sunday mass, disregarding pandemic prevention regulations
06/08/2021
While local authorities and people in the central province Ha Tinh strictly implementing preventive measures against the pandemic in province, Priest Phạm Thế Hưng, Head of Du Thanh Parish in Ky Khang Commune of the province’s Ky Anh District has still held a Sunday mass in the parish church with hundreds of participants.
The mass organization took place from 19h30 to 21h00 on June 6, with about 300 participating parishioners, but without preventive measures recommended for the Covid-19 fight, such as keeping safe distancing and wearing facemasks.
The mass organization by Priest Phạm Thế Hưng has not only posed a potential risk of the epidemic spread but also been held in disregard of regulations of the Government and competent state authorities, as well as guidelines of Ha Tinh Diocese for the prevention and control of the dieases.
As reported, on June 6, the provincial government of Ha Tinh released an official note requesting the suspension of religious and other publid gatherings with large numbers of participants, starting from 12h00 on the same day.
Hours later, the Office of Ha Tinh Diocese issued another note asking for canceling masses and other religious practices with large gatherings of parishioners, starting from 17h30 on June 6.
In addition, when the local and authorities of Ky Khang commune and the concerning competent agency came to check the situation, Priest Phạm Thế Hưng showed no cooperation and did not sign the working report.
Sunday mass without safe social distancing and facemasks for pandemic prevention
