In the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all the Catholic Churches in Karachi are closing their doors.
Karachi Archbishop Joseph Coutts said in a letter on March 18 that the Sindh government has ordered public gatherings to be halted at places of worship and shrines.
“Accordingly, religious services in all our churches will not be open to the public with immediate effect, until further notice.”
The Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi has set up a panaflex outside churches in English and Urdu to explain the condition and significance of isolation, avoiding close interaction and community gatherings.
He also ordered priests to urge people that not being able to go to church can be used fruitfully by gathering to pray together at home as a family.
Sindh has thus far reported 211 identified coronavirus cases. The government has shut down all schools, movie theaters, wedding halls and malls in an attempt to prevent the virus from spreading.