Derry Diocese takes action against coronavirus

Priests and Massgoers have been told that most physical interaction during religious services involves a ‘low risk’ of spreading the virus, but as COVID-19 (coronavirus) is a new disease that has not been seen in people before, the diocese needs to ‘exercise extreme caution’ to limit its spread.

Correspondence newly-issued to priests locally advised that ‘current information’ suggests COVID-19 ‘can spread easily between people and could be spread from an infected person even before they develop any symptoms.’

‘For this reason,’ it is suggested that ‘physical interaction during religious services,’ including the Sign of Peace, be suspended. The practice of shaking hands on greeting and departure at religious services and/or gatherings for both religious leaders/clergy and laity has also been suspended and the diocese has advised that holy water fonts should also not be used.

Also, to ‘minimise the risk of spread of infection’ the use of communal vessels, e.g. drinking from a Chalice during Holy Communion, has also been suspended. Only the celebrant should drink from the Chalice. Ministers of the Eucharist and members of the congregation should not do so.