Sally Furniss
Well-known member
Churches move to stop swine flu infections
PRECAUTION: Churches across St Helens have taken steps to avoid parishioners catching swine flu
Published Date: 23 July 2009
Catholic churches in St Helens are sacrificing tradition and ceremony for infection control as they move to avoid the spread of swine flu.
At Mass the chalice is not being passed round and members of the congregation will not have wafers placed on their tongues, only in their hands.
Meanwhile the 'stoup' containing water with which people cross themselves has been shelved, and parishioners are even being discouraged from shaking hands.
Withholding of wine at Mass to avoid transmission of the contagious illness via the communal chalice has been much publicised nationally.
A spokesman for the Archdiocese said: "Following requests from a number of parishes and after consultation with healthcare professionals the Archdiocese of Liverpool is offering advice to parishes on precautions which may be taken to prevent the possible spread of the swine flu virus.
"This advice is given in light of the fact that the flu virus is most easily spread when a person who has flu coughs or sneezes. Once the virus is airborne it can easily be breathed in by other people. A secondary means of transmission occurs when a person touches a surface with the virus on it and then touches his or her mouth.
"The Sign of Peace should be suspended or a verbal exchange of peace could be used instead of a handshake.
"Receiving communion on the tongue or from the chalice should be discouraged as this is a source of potential infection. People may still receive communion in the hand.
"Holy water stoups should be emptied. Consideration may be given to the use of anti bacterial gel by ministers. This advice will remain under constant review with healthcare professionals and will be updated as necessary."
The Anglican Church locally appears to be taking less stringent precautions.
http://www.sthelensreporter.co.uk/st-helens-news/Churches-move-to-stop-swine.5487378.jp
The Liverpool Diocese have issued guidelines to local parishes but are currently advising more stringent hygience standards.
PRECAUTION: Churches across St Helens have taken steps to avoid parishioners catching swine flu
Published Date: 23 July 2009
Catholic churches in St Helens are sacrificing tradition and ceremony for infection control as they move to avoid the spread of swine flu.
At Mass the chalice is not being passed round and members of the congregation will not have wafers placed on their tongues, only in their hands.
Meanwhile the 'stoup' containing water with which people cross themselves has been shelved, and parishioners are even being discouraged from shaking hands.
Withholding of wine at Mass to avoid transmission of the contagious illness via the communal chalice has been much publicised nationally.
A spokesman for the Archdiocese said: "Following requests from a number of parishes and after consultation with healthcare professionals the Archdiocese of Liverpool is offering advice to parishes on precautions which may be taken to prevent the possible spread of the swine flu virus.
"This advice is given in light of the fact that the flu virus is most easily spread when a person who has flu coughs or sneezes. Once the virus is airborne it can easily be breathed in by other people. A secondary means of transmission occurs when a person touches a surface with the virus on it and then touches his or her mouth.
"The Sign of Peace should be suspended or a verbal exchange of peace could be used instead of a handshake.
"Receiving communion on the tongue or from the chalice should be discouraged as this is a source of potential infection. People may still receive communion in the hand.
"Holy water stoups should be emptied. Consideration may be given to the use of anti bacterial gel by ministers. This advice will remain under constant review with healthcare professionals and will be updated as necessary."
The Anglican Church locally appears to be taking less stringent precautions.
http://www.sthelensreporter.co.uk/st-helens-news/Churches-move-to-stop-swine.5487378.jp
The Liverpool Diocese have issued guidelines to local parishes but are currently advising more stringent hygience standards.