SOUTH BEND, Ind.—The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has suspended all public masses in the area to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The mass cancellation begins Wednesday, March 18 and will be in effect until further notice.

The announcement was made in a letter to parishioners on Tuesday.

All public Sunday and weekday masses throughout the state are included in the suspension.

Read more about the diocese's response to coronavirus here.