Health & Fitness
Coronavirus Changes Communion In Atlanta Catholic Churches
The Archdiocese of Atlanta said parishes can modify communion and a traditional greeting at Mass to prevent the spread of new coronavirus.
ATLANTA, GA — The Archdiocese of Atlanta issued an advisory on Sunday to parishioners. With health concerns about the spreading of the new coronavirus virus, the local archdiocese put out a letter offering safety tips and changes for communion. Churches won't offer communion wine — sipped from a shared chalice — because of the risk of disease spreading.
Some priests may also suspend what is known as sharing a sign of peace, when church members greet one another by shaking hands or hugs.
The new Coronavirus virus, which originated in China is now called COVID-19. It's caused by a member of the Coronavirus that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses .
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A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Atlanta told WGCL that these are the same precautions pastors can follow during the regular flu season.
Dear Friends in Christ,
Given the ongoing concern over COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, we have decided to suspend distribution of the Precious Blood for the time being. We feel we would eventually have to take this action and hope that taking it early will allay any fears people have now and demonstrate our concern for the health and safety of our congregations.
Individual pastors can decide whether or not to suspend the exchange of peace. Many pastors have already taken these precautions to prevent the spread of flu in their communities.
The CDC says the overall risk of coronavirus to the general public is low. Still, the best way to prevent infection from this or any other respiratory virus is:
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- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Learn more about the outbreak on the CDC website.
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