A Catholic diocese in Northern Ireland has temporarily suspended the sign of peace during Mass following an outbreak of the ‘Australian flu’ in its parishes.
The Diocese of Down and Connor, in the north east of the country, said in a statement this weekend that it had “decided to reactivate the following precautionary measures originally established by the Diocese in response to the ‘Swine Flu’ epidemic in 2009”. These measures include asking parishioners to use disinfectant hand gels before coming to Mass and to remain at home if they experience flu-like symptoms.
Ministers should also wash their hands in warm soapy water before and after distributing Holy Communion, the statement added.
The Diocese explained that it was acting on “received medical advice concerning the increasing risk and impact of ‘Australian flu’”. The strain, which is believed to be particularly virulent, hit Australia in 2017. Health authorities in the UK have warned that people should prepare for a surge in such cases this winter.
Speaking to The Tablet this morning, a spokesperson from the Diocese explained that parishes in Down and Connor will continue to distribute wine during Holy Communion, despite the possibility of the spread of infection from a shared chalice. “There is no change that affects the integrity and the essential elements of the celebration of Mass”, he said.
According to the Diocese the other measures will remain in place until the risk of infection is significantly reduced.
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