Thursday, July 16, 2009
SWINE FLU
The current ‘flu pandemic (H1N1 2009), more commonly known as ‘Swine Flu’, has so far caused a relatively mild illness in most people. However, it is very easy to catch the ‘flu and pass it on to others. The number of cases is expected to increase. To minimize the risk of both infection and transmission:
1) Most important: stay at home if you are ill. ‘Flu is primarily an air-borne infection transmitted when groups of people breathe the same air in an enclosed space. It is not a sin to stay away from Mass when you are ill or infectious (i.e. seven days after the onset of symptoms).
2) Please be aware that asking the priest or a Eucharistic minister to make a routine visit would put them and others at risk and involve taking special precautions.
3) Priests and ministers are requested to wash their hands before and after distributing communion. Bottles of anti-bacterial hand gel are available at each of the churches. Hand washing is recommended for everyone before touching your mouth.
4) As a temporary measure, the chalice will be withdrawn from communion. Please remember that the Body and Blood of Christ are completely received when consumed under the appearance of either bread or wine.
5) Communion received on the tongue involves the risk of contaminating the ministers’ fingers with virus-containing saliva. So it is requested that all receive communion in the hand for the time being.
6) The “Sign of Peace” could be an occasion for viruses to be transferred from hand to hand. If you are worried, it is perfectly acceptable to simply say the words “Peace be with youâ€? or bow to those around you.
7) A leaflet is available at the back of churches with more details. Please consult your own GP or NHS Direct (http://www.nhs.uk) if you have personal health concerns or symptoms.