CLEVELAND — The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is encouraging parishes to cancel all religious gatherings of 100 people or more, including fish fries.
The decision comes in alignment with Governor Mike DeWine's executive order, issued Thursday afternoon, banning the gatherings of more than 100 people due to concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Despite religious gatherings being exempt from DeWine's order, the diocese doesn't want to take any chances.
During the Lenten Season, fish fries are more popular than ever with many Catholics abstaining from meat on Friday's.
As a solution, the Diocese suggests "parishes sponsoring fish fries may consider staging outdoor, drive-through fish fry pick-up if their parish is so configured and if the Ohio Department of Health distancing and other precautionary directives (including the 100-person indoor restriction) can be maintained," their website states.
As another precaution, the Diocese is also excusing Catholics from attending Sunday mass for the remainder of the month.
For a complete list of fish fries in the area, click here.