Church-goers have been encouraged to worship from home and livestream services following a nation-wide ban on indoor gatherings of more than 100 people announced on Wednesday.
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Anglican services have been suspended across the region. All Anglican public gatherings in Goulburn will cease on Sunday, March 22. As a result there will be no public services this Sunday and until further notice.
Anglican Bishop Mark Short said bishops in the area consulted with each other about the wisest way to reflect the care and compassion of Christ for all people in these challenging times.
"Although these measures may not strictly be required by the Prime Minister's announcement they have been taken in recognition that our congregations contain significant numbers of people who are vulnerable to the virus, particularly the elderly," he said.
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The Catholic church will continue services but has protocols in place.
Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse said the church understood these times were difficult for people.
"Whereas we will totally abide by government regulations, at the same time, we want to reassure our people of the church's closeness to them in the tough times ahead," he said.
Father Anthony Percy released new protocols for all Catholic churches in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn on Wednesday, March 18.
He said Sunday Obligation was suspended but the faithful were invited to come to Mass and pray for the nation providing they followed new rules.
New protocols include:
- People above 75 years old are recommended not to attend church;
- Do not attend if you have a fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat or shortness of breath;
- Holy water has been removed from fonts;
- People are to sit 1.5 metres apart, except for immediate family;
- No touching for the sign of peace;
- Funerals and weddings are not to exceed 100 people;
- First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation have all been suspended; and
- Communion to be received in the hand, not on the tongue.
