A Catholic church in West Belfast has been forced to undergo a deep clean after a parishioner tested positive for Covid-19.

St Agnes' Church on Andersontown Road has been temporarily closed after informed the church that they had attended Mass on Sunday, before testing positive for the virus. 

The premises has been shut "for the purposes of deep cleaning and sanitisation", according to the church, and will be back up and running for public worship once these "precautionary measures" have been completed.

The diocese confirmed the situation in a statement, writing:

"The Diocese of Down and Connor can confirm that a parishioner from St Agnes' Parish in Belfast has tested positive for Covid-19.

"Upon the advice and guidance of the PHA (Public Health Agency), the parishioner informed the parish where they had recently attended 12.30pm Mass on Sunday August 23.

"In accordance with diocesan procedures and in compliance with the most recent health and safety guidance from the Public Health Agency, as a precautionary measure, St Agnes' Church will be temporarily closed for the purposes of deep cleaning and sanitisation."

The parish diocese added that "every precaution has been taken to minimise the spread of the virus and to ensure the safety of all".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by the coronavirus and we particularly pray for the speedy recovery of the parishioner," it added. "Following the deep cleaning, St Agnes' Church will reopen again for public worship."

On Thursday, the church updated that it had now reopened following the cleaning procedure and that the church minister had tested negative for the virus. 

"Following a professional Deep Clean on Thursday 27/08/2020 St Agnes’ Church is once again open for Private Prayer and Mass," it said. "Fr Mc Glynn under took a Covid test with a negitive result. Thank you for your understanding and  patience at this time and for your messages and prayers."