Coronavirus Update from the Diocesan Health and Safety Team

“The current risk to individuals from coronavirus is low.

The best way to protect against spread is for everyone to use good hygiene especially at Mass and parish gatherings. Encourage everyone remember the following advice:

• Catch it – sneeze into a tissue
• Bin it – throw the tissue away
• Kill it – wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
• Avoid touching your face unless you have washed your hands
• Regularly clean those surfaces that are regularly touched by lots of people

Ministers of the Eucharist should ALWAYS clean their hands before distributing communion and afterwards. This can be done discreetly.

People who have cold or flu symptoms should refrain from taking communion from the Chalice and receive the host on the hand only.

As things stand currently, there is no need for the Chalice to be withdrawn or the sign of peace suspended.

When carrying out home visits to parishioners, wash hands before and after giving the sacraments. Pastoral visits to people who are self-isolating should be replaced with the offer of telephone support until the isolation period ends.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has issued guidelines to help Catholic churches and organisations. Follow the quick link at the end of this mailing or go to the Bulletins section of Resources.” – 

Diocesan Health and Safety Team

For details on other parish matters, please see this week’s News-sheet, downloadable by clicking the link below