Father Andrew N. Gehringer, pastor of Holy Infancy Parish, Bethlehem, has tested positive for Covid-19 and has begun a self-quarantine.
Out of an abundance of caution, the church, at 312 E. Fourth St., has been closed temporarily. Daily Masses, and Masses for this coming weekend, August 8 and 9, are cancelled.
The parish rectory also has been closed. Both the rectory and the church have been deep-cleaned and sanitized.
Father Gehringer sought a Covid-19 test immediately after learning that someone he had recently been in contact with had tested positive. That person was not a parishioner of Holy Infancy.
At the time he was tested, Father Gehringer began a strict quarantine. His test results were received on Monday, the day the announcement was made.
The Diocese of Allentown advises anyone who believes they may have been in close contact with Father Gehringer, or who is having symptoms of Covid-19, to contact their medical care provider to discuss what actions, if any, they may need to take.