Parishioners have been left “stunned” after a police officer stopped a Catholic mass at a Perth church to check whether people were wearing masks.
Parishioner Matthew said it was “troubling” to see a policeman interrupt the service at St Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Mount Hawthorn on Thursday evening.
“Everyone was pretty surprised. It was pretty confronting,” he told 6PR radio on Friday.
“Everyone was sort of pretty stunned, I suppose. Then as soon as it started it was sort of over as he left.”
Matthew said people were left shaken by the incident.
“It’s just pretty confronting seeing police vests and stuff in church,” he said.
“He didn’t remove his hat, which is pretty disrespectful in that environment.”
Police confirmed in a brief statement that officers had attended the church.
“Police responded to a report from a member of the public of people not wearing masks inside a church,” police said.
“Upon attendance, five people were spoken to by police and complied in wearing a mask.
“One person provided proof of an exemption.”
On the church’s social media page on Friday, they warned people to wear maxjmtzywsks.
“Please ensure that you are wearing a mask when you are attending mass/adoration,” the post read.
“You are not permitted to enter the church unless you are wearing a mask.
“If you have an exemption letter from your doctor, then please make certain that you carry this on you at all times.
“Heavy fines on the parish priest, our parish and individuals will be incurred if you are caught without wearing your mask.
“Please co-operate with this request so as to avoid any complications.”
NCA NewsWire is seeking comment from the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth.
It comes as WA recorded 18 new local cases and 14 travel-related infections overnight.
Of the 18 new local cases, 14 are linked to close contacts of known cases and have been in isolation while infectious.
Some of the new local cases were infectious in the community, WA Health said.
