NEW ORLEANS — The archdioceses of New Orleans and Baton Rouge are preparing for the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus among their congregations.
As of March 10, there was only one presumptive case of the coronavirus in Louisiana, but health officials anticipate the respiratory disease will continue to spread across the country in coming weeks.
In response, New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond on Tuesday said that going forward, for the time being, "the chalice containing the Blood of Christ is not to be offered to the congregation."
There is also a recommendation that the sign of peace by offered with a simple bow instead of a handshake.
The sign of peace is a common practice in Catholic mass in which people often shake hands and hug those around them in greeting. Holy Communion is Catholic ritual of accepting host (wafers) and wine as the Holy Eucharist, the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
These practices, close touching, sharing drinks and receiving food, are some of the most common ways viruses like COVID-19 spread, health officials have warned.
The Archdiocese also noted that people who are sick or experiencing symptoms of sickness are not obligated to attend mass.
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or colds. Symptoms include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization.
Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to the Dept. of Health.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days.
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