In northeast China’s Liaoning Province, some churches in Shenyang and Tieling suspended in-person gatherings due to recent COVID-19 outbreaks, while others in Dalian and Anshan tightened anti-epidemic measures while hosting church services.
More than two months after the last outbreak, Shenyang City reported new asymptomatic cases who had returned from other places and have caused the spread in the community.
Churches in Tiexi District, Huanggu District, and Yuhong District of the city that had resumed face-to-face services for over one month implemented the measure of “double suspensions” which refers to the suspending of the opening of worship places and group religious activities.
In addition, some churches in Changtu County, Tieling City, were also required to cease onsite gatherings.
To protect churchgoers while worshiping, a church in another city of Dalian demanded worshippers to follow the COVID-19 protocols, such as showing health codes and itinerary codes with the admission pass or ID card for the registration and sitting with masks at socially distanced intervals. Those who have suspected COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, and diarrhea, or who arrived in Dalian from other places within seven days are not allowed to enter the church.
A church in Anshan City also informed its members that to attend the service they should show negative nucleic acid results taken within 72 hours and the people who returned from the cities of Shenyang, Dalian, Tieling, and Benxi, are required to undergo a seven-day home quarantine and then will be able to attend the church service.
It was reported that Liaoning detected two confirmed cases and seven asymptomatic cases last Thursday.
(The article is originally published in the Gospel Times with the author reporting in Shenyang, Liaoning.)
- Translated by Abigail Wu
