Episcopal churches in Gloucester and Mathews have cancelled on-site worship services for the next two weeks in response to a directive from the Diocese of Virginia concerning the Coronavirus outbreak.

In a letter to parishes across the state, Bishop Susan E. Goff said that churches could remain open and church staff could go to work, but that there would be no physical gatherings for worship.

The Coronavirus is now a pandemic, said Goff, “and we are responsible for one another, especially for the most vulnerable among us.” Mathematical models show the virus spreading exponentially, she said, and while the spread can’t be stopped, it can be slowed, helping to ensure that the health care system remains effective.

“Social distancing is our best means of slowing the spread,” she said, adding that the Diocese of Washington had made the same decision.

Abingdon Episcopal

Rector Sven vanBaars of Abingdon Episcopal Church at White Marsh said that the church’s vestry had decided ...