From staff reports

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The Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is suspending all public Masses on Sundays and weekdays beginning at noon Friday until further notice, a drastic step aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

Bishop William A. Wack is dispensing Catholics from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass while the suspensions are in effect, according to a news release from the diocese.

All other regularly scheduled liturgies and gatherings in churches will also be canceled. For now, churches will be open for private prayer and devotion at the pastor's discretion.

Wack encouraged Catholics to pray with the local Catholic community by virtual attendance at Mass, which is streamed at ptdiocese.org/livestreammass.

The diocese is also canceling classes on Catholic school campuses for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grades through April 15, following the directive of Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education.

The temporary closing of early learning centers will be determined by each individual site. The Office of Catholic Schools is developing a plan for student learning, and faculty are training in distance education. Principals are expected to share more details with families in the coming days.

Wack called on people to pray for one another "during this time of crisis and uncertainty."

"Please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters who are isolated or who are sick," he said in a news release. "We pray as well for the brave medical personnel and first responders, and all who are caring for the sick and quarantined. And let us not forget those who are lonely, afraid, depressed or anxious at this time."