Swine flu scare
The traditional shaking of hands during the sign of peace at Masses in Down and Connor Diocese has again been suspended due to the rise in swine flu figures, BBC Northern Ireland reports.
It was first suspended in October 2009 in a bid to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
The diocese restored the sign of peace in March last year after fears of swine flu receded.
The latest suspension, based on Public Health Authority advice, comes after another outbreak of the virus.
Priests, however, will continue to visit sick parishioners at home and in hospital.
Alcohol-based hand-gel has been widely used by Down and Connor priests and lay assistants since pass4sure M2020-615 the first outbreak of the virus in Ireland.
Father Eddie Magee, from Down and Connor Diocese, said the suspension of the sign of peace was “a sensible precaution to help prevent the spread of swine flu”.
More at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-12136442