PASIG CITY, (PIA) -- The National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus in Manila is temporarily closed and has suspended public Masses.

According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the national shrine has been temporarily closed after a priest and three of its personnel tested positive of COVID-19.

“For the duration of the closure, there will be thorough disinfection and intensive sanitation and, hence, the churchgoers are requested to refrain from coming to the Church in the meantime,” the shrine said in a statement.

The parish encouraged its parishioners to instead attend Masses through its online livestreams as temporary closure will be until January 14, 2022. (CBCP/PIA-NCR)