Diocese of Bridgeport issues precautions
to be taken during Mass as a result of
the Swine Flu (H1N1 Flu) outbreak
REVISED

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

Buenos hábitos de salud para la prevención

BRIDGEPORT, Wednesday, September 23, 2009 — In response to inquiries concerning precautions to be taken as a result of the current concern over swine flu (H1N1 virus), the Diocese of Bridgeport recommends that parishes in Fairfield County should take the following precautions:

• While shaking hands has become the common way of exchanging the Sign of Peace, this is not required.  The faithful should be made aware that they may do so without touching hands or kissing.
  
  
• Recognizing that the method of receiving Holy Communion in the hand or on the tongue is at the discretion of the communicant, and not the minister, the faithful should be reminded that by receiving Holy Communion in the hand, there is less chance of the spreading or contracting the flu.
  
  
• If there seems to be a high level of flu infection, it is left to the discretion of the pastor whether to suspend Communion under the form of the Precious Blood.  However, if you have individuals in your parish who cannot receive the Host, then they should be allowed to make the choice as to whether or not they are comfortable receiving from the cup at this time. If they are, a simple means of allowing them to receive from the cup should be planned.
  
  
• While holding hands during the Our Father is not part of the ritual, the same care should be taken as with the shaking of hands at the sign of peace – because by avoiding it, there is less chance of spreading or contracting the flu.  Likewise, care should be taken in other circumstances, such as greeting people after Mass, giving blessings, etc.
  
  
• Priests, Deacons, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should be especially reminded of the need to practice good hygiene.  Ministers of Holy Communion must be encouraged to wash their hands before Mass begins, or even to use an alcohol-based anti-bacterial solution before and after distributing Holy Communion. (This latter practice should be in place whenever a minister of Communion has a cold or coughs or sneezes once Mass begins.)

In addition to the above, the following are suggestions to all Priests and Deacons regarding pastorally implementing these temporary changes within their parishes:

• Your pastoral judgment and pastoral approach are critical to ensuring that these measures are seen as being in the best interest of the faithful.
  
  
• Remind parishioners that they should not come to church when they are not feeling well.
  
  
• It is always important to be aware of any special needs parishioners may have in fully participating in the Liturgy. 
  
  
• Should the alert level be raised to a higher phase by the Government, additional information will be sent regarding the celebration of Sacraments and public events.

Below is information from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention you can publish in your bulletin to help the faithful be aware of the steps they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of this disease:

Preventing the Flu:
Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

1.  Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Buenos hábitos de salud para la prevención

1. Evite el contacto cercano con otras personas. Evite acercarse a personas enfermas. Si se enferma, manténgase alejado de otras personas para protegerlas y evitar que ellas también se enfermen.

2. Quédese en casa si está enfermo. Si es posible, quédese en casa y no vaya al trabajo, la escuela ni a lugares públicos si está enfermo. De esta manera, ayudará a evitar que otros se contagien de su enfermedad.

3. Cúbrase la boca y la nariz. Cúbrase la boca y la nariz con un pañuelo cuando tosa o estornude. Esto puede evitar que quienes estén cerca de usted se enfermen.

4. Límpiese las manos. Lavarse las manos a menudo le ayudará a protegerse contra los gérmenes.

5. Trate de no tocarse los ojos, la nariz ni la boca. Con frecuencia, los gérmenes se propagan cuando una persona toca algo contaminado con esos gérmenes y luego se toca los ojos, la nariz o la boca.

6. Tenga buenos hábitos de salud. Duerma lo suficiente, sea activo físicamente, controle el estrés, beba muchos líquidos y coma alimentos nutritivos