A Maryland priest has implemented drive-through confessions in response to the spread of coronavirus in the state.

“This is where we priests have to be creative about how to bring Christ to people when we can’t do that in our church buildings,” Scott Holmer, pastor at St. Edward the Confessor Parish in Bowie, told the Catholic Standard. “We need to bring Christ to people now, to bring Him to others in a safe way that won’t increase infection.”

Holmer set up the outdoor confessional to avoid both public gatherings and the sharing of common services like kneelers, chairs and doorknobs, according to the publication. In the drive-through setting, the seat of the parishioner's car functions as the confessional seat, with penitents only having to leave the car if there is more than one person inside.

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He said reactions have been predominantly positive and that amid the pandemic, he intends to perform the sacrament at regularly scheduled Mass times.

“We’re in a time when we’re scattered, but there will also be a time when we’re gathered together again,” he told the publication. “Keep hope on that time when we will return.”

Gov. Larry Hogan (R) reported Maryland’s first coronavirus death Wednesday, saying the patient was a Prince George’s County man in in his sixties with an underlying medical condition. More than 80 cases had been reported throughout the state as of Wednesday evening.