Joel Osteen’s Houston megachurch is canceling in-person services due to coronavirus

Lakewood Church, a Houston megachurch led by televangelist Joel Osteen, announced Wednesday it is canceling in-person services this weekend due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner declared a public health emergency in the city the same day, KTRK reported.

Lakewood Church shared the news on Twitter, citing international visitors.

“In consideration of today’s public health emergency declaration on COVID-19 by Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner, along with the fact that Lakewood draws such large numbers of international visitors each week, Lakewood’s leadership has decided not to hold public services this weekend,” the statement said.

Instead, the church said it will hold its services exclusively online.

An estimated 50,000 people attend services at the church every week, according to KHOU.

Lakewood apologized to the congregation, adding that church leaders feel it’s a necessary move to ensure their well-being and the health of the “most vulnerable.”

“We will continue to monitor the situation week by week and hope to resume the assembly in the near future.”