#Westchester church parishioners to quarantine after priest, staffer catch COVID-19

Parishioners of a Westchester County church are being asked to self-quarantine after a priest and staff member tested positive for the coronavirus, county officials announced Thursday.

The two infections were documented at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Pleasantville, where the infected priest distributed communion during a First Holy Communion ceremony this past weekend, Lohud reported.

Anyone who attended any of the following four services must quarantine for 14 days due to potential exposure to the virus: morning Mass on Aug. 24, morning Mass on Aug. 25, First Communion ceremonies on Aug. 29 and all Masses except for the 9 a.m. Mass on Aug. 30.

Holy Innocents Administrator Fr. Luke Hoyt penned an open letter on the church’s website dated Aug. 30, writing those working in the church will quarantine until Monday, Sept. 7. While the house of worship will remain open, Mass and other sacraments won’t be celebrated until Sept. 8.

It’s not immediately clear how many people could have been potentially infected during those services.

“It is sad to have to take these measures, but we would feel bad putting you all at risk,” Fr. Luke went on. “Of course, we are all still available via phone and email so feel free to be in touch!”