AS coronavirus cases continue to grow in NSW, the region's Anglican and Catholic dioceses say they're working to keep worshippers safe.
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On Sunday NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged anyone in a situation where social distancing was impossible, including worshippers, to wear a face mask.
While the practice is not yet mandatory, she said doing so would help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Catholic Diocese of Bathurst Bishop Michael McKenna said while some worshippers were wearing a face mask previously, all are now being encouraged to wear one when visiting parishes.
He said the premier's announcement had not changed any of the diocese's processes to help keep people safe from COVID-19.
"The procedures we currently have in place are compliant with government health regulations and will change as those regulations change," he said.
Face mask use in the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst is up to each person's discretion, Bishop Mark Calder said.
"In the weeks I've been at church since we resumed, I've not seen any one in a mask," he said.
"We are working hard to keep people safe, and those churches which are meeting, are all registered as COVID safe."
Bishop Calder said many Anglican churches were yet to resume and parishioners were using online services.
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
