NEW YORK CITY — The Archdiocese of New York has canceled Mass on President Donald Trump's national day of prayer.

The archdiocese, which oversees Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island and the Hudson Valley, including New Rochelle, the epicenter of the outbreak, made the decision amid fears that congregations would spread the new coronavirus. It followed the banning of all events involving 500 or more people by Governor Andrew Cuomo. Broadway shows, museums, concerts and sporting events were among the many things canceled.

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"In light of the continued concern surrounding the coronavirus, and the advice of medical experts, all Masses in the Archdiocese of New York will be canceled beginning this weekend, March 14-15, 2020," the archdiocese said.



The Brooklyn Diocese, which oversees that borough and Queens, has not canceled Mass but dispensed worshippers from their obligation to attend. Both dioceses have closed their elementary schools. Coronavirus has sickened 183 people in New York City as of Saturday, with one death — an 82-year-old woman.

President Donald Trump declared March 15 a national day of prayer as he dealt with the national emergency.