Trenton Archdiocese Bans Some Practices Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Trenton Archdiocese leaders have suspended some practices amid coronavirus concerns, the archdiocese announced on Wednesday. On Wednesday night, Gov. Phil Murphy confirmed the first presumptive case of coronavirus in New Jersey. A man in his 30s has been hospitalized in Bergen County since Tuesday. Read more here: First Presumptive Case Of Coronavirus In NJ: Governor

Bishop David M. O’Connell has issued the following instructions on liturgical practices to be observed in all parishes institutions and organizations within the Diocese of Trenton, effective immediately until otherwise notified:

• People who have flu-like symptoms or who are otherwise feeling sick should not go to Mass or other Church gatherings;
• Priests, deacons and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should practice good hygiene, washing hands with soap and water or anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, before and after distributing Holy Communion;
• People are encouraged not to receive Holy Communion on the tongue; worthy, reverent reception by hand is preferred until otherwise notified;
• The practice of distributing the Precious Blood from the Chalice is suspended; and
• The practice of exchanging the sign of peace by any physical contact (handshake, embrace, kissing) is suspended.

The Archdiocese of Trenton covers Mercer, Burlington, Ocean and Monmouth counties.
Globally, at least 85,000 people have been infected and 3,000 people have died from COVID-19, reports say, including nine in Washington.

Most New Jersey residents remain at low risk for the coronavirus, the state Department of Health said. And if anyone is having symptoms, the illness is much more likely to be caused by common respiratory viruses such as flu or the common cold, officials said.

New Jersey health officials also issued a long list of coronavirus outbreak guidelines for the state's schools and colleges this week. Read more here: NJ Issues New Coronavirus Guidelines For Schools, Colleges