JERUSALEM, Saturday, May 23, 2020 (WAFA) – The heads of the three Christian communities of Jerusalem said in a statement today that starting on Sunday, May 24, 2020, the church will be accessible again to the faithful for visits and prayers.

The statement said that for safety reasons and in order to avoid the risk of a new spread of the COVID-19 infection, at the beginning the number will be ed to 50 persons and the Basilica will be accessible only to those who have no fever or symptoms of infection and are wearing suitable face coverings.

"It will also be necessary to keep a minimal distance of two meters between each person and to avoid any act of devotion that might include physical contact such as touching and kissing the stones, icons, vestments and the personnel in the Basilica; as well as abide always by the given instructions," added the statement.

"From this Holy Place, in this Easter time, we continue our prayers, asking for the end of this pandemic."

M.N