A church in Northern Ireland has had to close to members once more after two people in the church caught coronavirus. 

The priest of the Catholic church St Mary's in Ardmore, Londonderry, announced at the weekend that the church would be closed to visitors until further notice but that people could still celebrate mass via their livestream. 

Northern Ireland churches have been open for private prayer since May and communal worship since the end of June. 

Fr Neil Farren said in a video: "I have sad news to relate to you at this time. We have COVID-19 in this wider region at this present time and also in our parish, so in consultation with our Ardmore pastoral council members we have decided to ask the public not to attend Mass in Ardmore until further notice. In the meantime I will be celebrating Mass in the chapel, but alone and you may participate in the Mass through www.churchmedia.tv or Facebook."

Fr Neil said some congregants were getting tested and others could do so if they wished. 

A couple who had been in the church had barely any symptoms but were tested after family members tested positive, having been at the same family gathering.