RI Catholic Churches Take Steps To Avoid Spreading Coronavirus

PROVIDENCE, RI — Amid concerns about the new coronavirus around the state, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence is encouraging parishes to take preventive measures to avoid the spread of illness at masses.

Last week, the diocese sent a message to pastors of Rhode Island churches, encouraging them to take steps to avoid the spread of the flu, which is considered widespread in the state. At the time the message was sent, the diocese was not aware of any cases of coornavirus in the state, a spokesperson said on Monday. Because both the flu and COVID-19 are passed by respiratory droplets, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention encourages taking the same steps to avoid getting sick.

"As pastors committed to promoting and protecting the well-being of our parishioners, we need to be as cautious and prudent as possible in responding to any possible threat, especially for children and the elderly," the statement said in part. "Since conditions vary from one locale to another, the most effective approach is at the level of the local parish."

During mass, priests are asked to avoid announcing or exchanging the Sign of Peace. If it is announced, parishioners are asked to avoid shaking hands, embracing or other physical contact.

"A simple gesture, or even a silent prayer, could easily suffice," the statement said.

Similarly, churches where parishioners usually hold hands during the Lord's Prayer are asked to avoid doing so.

In addition, churches are asked to stop offering wine from a shared chalice during Holy Communion. Those who are giving out communion are encouraged to "be especially mindful" of personal hygiene, using hand sanitizer before mass or right before the distribution of communion.

Those who are ill should not attend mass, the diocese said, for the sake of those around them.

"Parishioners should be reminded that if they have symptoms of serious illness they are dispensed from attending Holy Mass on Sundays and in fact should not attend Holy Mass," the statement said. "This is an obligation in charity that parishioners should take very seriously."

Over the weekend, Bishop Thomas Tobin issued a statement, saying he and the diocese were "very concerned" about the spread of coronavirus in the state and the "presumptive positive" cases stemming from a school trip organized by St. Raphael's, a Catholic school in Pawtucket.

"[We are] sorry to learn that a member of our Catholic school community has apparently contracted the coronavirus," Tobin said. "We pray for the complete and speedy recovery for all those who have been affected by the virus and for all those who are ill. May God grant healing, comfort and peace to all in these challenging times."

So far, there have been two "presumptive positive" cases of the virus in Rhode Island, while one other person is being tested. The first case is in a man in his 40s who is still hospitalized, while the second is a teenage girl and student at St. Ray's. She has mild symptoms and is at home, the Rhode Island Department of Health said.

Coronavirus in Rhode Island and elsewhere

• Coronavirus In Rhode Island: 3 Schools Closed
• Coronavirus In Rhode Island: What To Know
• An Outbreak Of Coronavirus Misinformation: AP Fact Check
• RI Coronavirus: 2nd 'Presumptive' Positive, 3rd Person Tested
• Pawtucket School Says RI Coronavirus Patient Is Community Member
• Cohasset Woman Quarantined For Potential Coronovirus Exposure
• Coventry Schools 'Continuously' Monitoring Coronavirus Updates
• Amid National Fear, Rhode Island's Coronavirus Risk Remains Low
• RI Health Department 'Closely Monitoring' Coronavirus Outbreak