The police stopped the church's Easter plan - no to the fair in the square

Karlskrona-Aspö pastorate planned for an outdoor fair on Easter Day, at Stortorget in Karlskrona. But the police stopped the plan. It becomes too difficult to control the number of people present, police say, since all gatherings with more than 50 people are prohibited.

Pastor Ann-Louise Trulsson has an understanding of the police's decision, and believes that the Easter Mass may then be held indoors at Fredrikskyrkan. There, the pastorate has had to take some other measures. Among other things, the wine has been removed from the Holy Communion, and the chairs of Fredrikskyrkan are placed at smaller intervals.

"In these circumstances, we need more space," she says.

The Church of Fredrik is open every day to those who are troubled during these coronation times.

- We are available to anyone who needs peace or wants to light a candle for someone, says Ann-Louise Trulsson.

The pastorate will also hold a city walk on Good Friday, both in Karlskrona and on Aspö.

Pastor Gunnel Alvhäll in Ronneby states that Easter Day is usually well attended. But this year it is not possible to aim so high, she says.

- We have to think about that. After all, it's not so much fun to tell someone that "it's full now."

The choirs are not included to the same extent, and the pastor has to spread his hands before handing out wine-covered bread to the communion guests. For the pastor, it feels important not to cancel Easter services.

- I actually think it is important that we keep the services of God. We do not want to jump into a crisis. But of course we take this very seriously.

Karlshamn-Trensum's pastorate does similarly, even Jämshög's congregation. But there is no mass with communion there.

Sölvesborg's congregation has removed the choirs from the worship services programs and the caretaker ensures that the number does not exceed 50 persons together with the staff.

The congregation no longer holds fairs and no communion, and that is simply to avoid risk as most who come to the church belong to a risk group.

- We might be the only ones they meet all week. They may have the children in the long distance, so they call instead of having someone to talk to. It works well, I think, but they long for it, ”says Marie Nygårds from the congregation.

The corona virus has also prevented Blekinge Muslims from gathering for Friday prayers. In ordinary cases, up to 400 people are gathered, but now individual parishioners meet. According to P4 Blekinge, the Karlskrona Mosque can soon be completely shut down due to the infection.

- As long as this disease exists, it is needed, says Abboud Sleiman, prayer leader and board member of the mosque to the radio.