PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. (1010 WINS) – Some parishioners at a Westchester church will have to self-quarantine for two weeks after a priest and a staff member came down with the coronavirus.
The priest and staffer tested positive for the virus after the priest distributed communion at Holy Innocents Roman Catholic Church in Pleasantville last weekend, LOHUD reported.
Holy Innocents Administrator Fr. Luke Hoyt said on the church's website that he received a positive test for COVID-19 and that he and others at the parish would quarantine until Sept. 7.
"The church will of course remain open, but we ourselves will not be able to celebrate Mass or other sacraments until Sept. 8," he wrote, adding that he will find replacement priests to celebrate Sunday Masses.
"It is sad to have to take these measures, but we would feel bad putting you all at risk," Hoyt wrote.
While the number of people potentially exposed to COVID-19 isn't known, anyone in attendance at the following services must quarantine for 14 days, as mandated by the state Health Department: morning Mass on Aug. 24; morning Mass on Aug. 25; First Communion ceremonies on Aug. 29; all Masses except 9 a.m. on Aug. 30.
Those in attendance should also let the Westchester County Department of Health know they were there.
According to LOHUD, local officials are working with the church, Westchester County and the Archdiocese of New York to provide updates.
