Brazil is experiencing its worst moment since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic. With more than two thousand deaths per day, the country has surpassed 280,000 fatalities. There are more than 11.5 million confirmed cases in one year of the disease's spread.

Faced with so many cases, the Brazilian healthcare system is entering a crisis. In many cities, there are no longer any available beds in hospital wards and ICUs, worsening the situation for the population.

Because of this frightening reality, the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte released a statement on Friday, March 12th, tightening preventive measures within churches, especially those located in the capital of Minas Gerais.

One of the main measures is the suspension of religious celebrations with the presence of worshippers, which will now be held exclusively online.

The mayor of Belo Horizonte, Alexandre Kalil, also published a decree tightening security measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Among the new rules from the executive branch is precisely the prohibition of religious services open to the public.

The Health and Peace Sanctuary, Father Eustáquio's church, complies with the archdiocese and municipal regulations; therefore, masses will only be held online. However, the Sanctuary will remain open for visits by the faithful, as will the Memorial of Blessed Father Eustáquio and the votive candle area.

It is important that, when going to church, all precautions against the Coronavirus are observed. Visitors must wear a mask at all times while in the church, sanitize their hands with hand sanitizer, and walk across the sanitizing mat. Anyone with symptoms of the disease should not go to church.

It is also worth remembering that people in the at-risk group should stay home. The celebrations can be followed on the Padre Eustáquio Channel on YouTube. From Monday to Friday, at 7 pm; on Saturdays, at 6 pm and on Sundays at two times: 10 am and 6 pm.