Meanwhile, the Vatican has reported its first coronavirus case after a patient using the City State’s health service tested positive for the virus.
Holy See spokesman Matteo Bruni said that outpatient services had been suspended for deep cleaning after the case was discovered on Thursday, but gave no details on the individual who had contracted the virus. The emergency department remains open, he explained, and the Italian authorities had been informed.
The Vatican clinic is used by priests, current and retired employees, residents and their relatives. Around 1,000 people live in the 108-acre city state, although many of those visiting the clinic live in Italy.
Earlier this week the Vatican announced that Pope Francis, who has been suffering from a cold, did not have coronavirus and was recovering. The 83-year-old Pope did not take part in this week’s annual Lenten retreat for the Roman Curia in Ariccia, 16 miles south-east of Rome.
The discovery of an individual with the virus in the Vatican comes as Italy confirmed more than 3,800 cases and 148 deaths. All schools and universities in the country have been shut until the 15 March, while football matches and sporting events will be played without fans for a month.
On Thursday evening, Mr Bruni said the Vatican is considering measures to stop the spread and how this might impact “the upcoming activities of the Holy Father, the Holy See, and the Vatican City State.” It is unclear whether the large open-air liturgies which take place during Holy Week will go ahead.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Rome has cancelled all “non-sacramental activities” including catechism classes, marriage preparation courses, retreats and pilgrimages, although eucharistic celebrations continue. Priests are, however, discouraged from inviting the faithful to exchange the sign of peace. Holy Water fonts are also to be emptied.
The closure of universities includes all the pontifical ones in Rome where trainee priests undertake their studies. As a result, some students at the English College, in Rome, have returned to England while others remain at the college studying under a revised timetable.
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