A cathedral will close its doors entirely with immediate effect to fight the spread of coronavirus.

Rochester Cathedral had previously shut to visitors and cancelled services but remained partly open to allow private prayer.

Today, the cathedral confirmed it will be closing completely until further notice as the country continues to struggle to keep the Covid-19 under control.

The building had been open to allow people come to pray by themselves and light candles and watch the morning and evening prayers led by the Dean and Canons.

But now all activities in the cathedral will be closed to the public and prayers by clergy will be carried out behind closed doors.

Dean of Rochester, The Very Rev'd Dr Philip Hesketh said: "Sadly, the cathedral is now closed completely until further notice.

"We should have a new notice going up soon on the website and cathedral doors.

"This is in response to the announcement about the closure of churches. We are asking people to go to the cathedral website for information and support and slowly with Diocesan support putting bits of services online.

"Prayers are continuing to be said by Dean and Canons, at a safe distance, at 9am and 5pm.

"The bell is rung beforehand to let people know that they are being prayed for and the cathedral spire remains blue - the colours of the Mary, Jesus Mother and NHS - as we pray for those who are working for our protection and well being."

The closure was initially announced in a tweet.

The post said: "COVID-19 Update. In accordance with government and Church of England advice we have decided to suspend all public services and tourism at the cathedral. We're now closed until further notice. Please stay safe. @churchofengland @engcathedrals @SeeOfRochester"

Meanwhile, Canterbury Cathedral remains open allowing visitors to observe private prayer despite the government telling pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars to close on Friday.

Yesterday, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, led the first service to be streamed online from the cathedral since the outbreak after announcing all public services would be scrapped.

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