‘Stay safe with good hand hygiene and social distancing’ - Derry priest’s message as public Masses in Ardmore off due to new COVID-19 cases

Father Neil Farren from St Mary’s Parish in Ardmore made the plea as he announced the news that the church would not be opened for public Mass at the weekend via social media.

It is understood two parishioners who had attended Mass have tested positive for coronavirus and have been proactive in informing local people.

Meanwhile there have been 10 other cases known to have diagnosed in Derry & Strabane over recent days, and there has also been a cluster in the Drumsurn village area south of Limavady.

Fr Farren, who instead is delivering Mass via webcam, told parishioners: “I have sad news to relate to you at this time. We have COVID-19 in this wider region at this present time and also in our parish, so in consultation with our Ardmore pastoral council members we have decided to ask the public not to attend Mass in Ardmore until further notice. In the meantime I will be celebrating Mass in the chapel, but alone and you may participate in the Mass through www.churchmedia.tv or Facebook.”

Fr. Farren added: “Some people are getting tested through ringing 111 and it’s your call to do that or not.

“Hopefully all of you will remain in good health and to all of you remember, stay safe with good hand hygiene and social distancing.

“I wish you all well, good health to everyone and God bless. Stay safe.”

A number of GAA clubs in County Derry have suspended play as a precautionary measure in light of the new outbreaks, while a number of businesses have also closed locally.