Take Same Precautions For Coronavirus As Flu: Camden Diocese

Leaders at the Diocese of Camden are advising their parishioners to take the same precautions concerning coronavirus as they would for the flu. 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

“The Diocese has always advised the faithful that sickness is a valid reason not to attend Mass or other Church gatherings where large groups assemble,” leaders said in a statement this week. “At Mass, no member of the faithful is obliged to shake hands at the sign of peace, receive the Precious Blood of Christ from the chalice or receive the Body of Christ on the tongue unless that is his/her preference.

“With the concerns about the coronavirus, the faithful are encouraged to take all the same precautions they would follow regarding the flu. Use normal good judgment. If you are sick or have flu-like symptoms, stay home. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is broadcast on several television channels and the sick can make a “spiritual communion” until they return to good health.

“The message from the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health is to be prepared, but not panicked. The Diocese will continue to monitor advisories from Catholic and other organizations regarding precautions on the coronavirus and share any appropriate information with the faithful and the parishes.”

The Camden Diocese includes Camden, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem 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