RICHMOND, Va. — After traveling extensively within the Catholic Diocese of Richmond for the last two weeks, Bishop Barry C. Knestout has self-quarantined after experiencing the symptoms of a minor cold last weekend, the diocese announced Wednesday.
Wednesday morning, Bishop Knestout visited a health care facility to receive tests for the flu and novel coronavirus (COVID-19). After recommendation from his doctor, the bishop remains in self-quarantine per guidelines form the Virginia Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While Bishop Knestout says he does not feel seriously ill, the diocese says he is self-quarantining out of precaution and is eager to return to public ministry. Until then, he will wait until doctors notify him of the status of the COVID-19 test and clear him to proceed with his public ministry.
The diocese say once more information comes back, they will share the results of Bishop Knestout's status with the bishop's permission.
Bishop Knestout has canceled any further engagements on his calendar until further notice, but he continues to lead the diocese through video teleconferencing and other forms of electronic communication.
On Monday, Bishop Knestout announced that due to the restrictions on public gatherings in Virginia that have been set in place amid the growing pandemic, all masses in the diocese have been temporarily suspended.
"Please continue to pray for Bishop Knestout and the priests and deacons of our diocese. We pray for their health and well-being as they work to fulfill the mission of our Church," the dicocese wrote.
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