WINCHESTER Cathedral has suspended all public worship.

The church had been open for services on Sundays, Wednesdays and feast days under strict social distancing.

But it took the decision to stop those last weekend, although it will still be open from 11am to 3pm for private prayer Mondays to Fridays and 1pm to 3pm on Sundays..

In a statement on its website it said: "Sadly, and after much consideration, the Cathedral has taken the decision to suspend congregational worship on Sunday morning, mid-week on Wednesday and feast days as previously advertised. This is in response to the ongoing threat to public health, the new and virulent strain of the virus and in order to support the NHS at a time of great stress on its people and resources, both locally and nationally.

"The safety of the congregation, staff and volunteers is of the utmost importance to us, and in support of the ‘Stay at Home’ message from the government and NHS, all services will now be online only until further notice. We believe that we should make this sacrifice, and ask others to make it, for the greater common good.

It says everyone is welcome to join in cathedral activities and worship online. In addition, all are warmly invited to meet with others in the Winchester Cathedral Zoom Room after Evensong or Evening Prayer on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

"We are here for you, wherever you are. We hope that people will gain strength from the continuing round of prayer and worship taking place here, as it has done for the past 1000 years. We encourage you to share your prayer requests with us at pray@winchester-cathedral.org.uk, during these challenging times, which will be offered in the cathedral for you, your friends and your family.

"As we adjust to these changes, the message that the Cathedral longs to share with you is ‘you are not alone’. The Cathedral is here, alive and active and praying for you."