Pope Francis tested for coronavirus, parishes issue guidelines to keep parishioners safe

Pope Francis has been tested for coronavirus while many dioceses in the USA are issuing new guidelines to prevent any spread of the germ. 

Several diocese are issuing new guidelines for Communion and other practices to prevent the spread of germs.

Highlights

By Marshall Connolly (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
3/4/2020 (4 years ago)

Published in Living Faith

Keywords: Coronavirus, Pope Francis, Catholic, church, guidelines

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Pope Francis has tested negative for the coronavirus, which soothes fears he may be infected with the potentially serious disease. The Holy Father has been sick since Ash Wednesday and Italy is the epicenter of Europe's largest outbreak of cornavirus. With the Pope exposed to tens of thousands of worshipers, the possibility of him contracting the illness is significant. This is true for all clergy who are called to tend to the sick. 

The visibly ill Pope has canceled a number of appearances and meetings, sparking concerns he could be ill with something more serious than a cold. Thankfully, we have confirmation his condition isn't so serious. 

Meanwhile, several diocese in the United States have issued new guidelines for Mass, with the goal of protecting parishioners from the spread of germs. As coronavirus appears to be spreading unchecked in the USA, chances are the illness will infect most people over the course of the next year or so. 

The good news for most is coronavirus is often no worse than the common cold or the flu. The fear and panic over the illness is largely unfounded. However, simple precautions can help protect you from getting sick and from spreading germs to others. 

Among the new guidelines are these instructions. 

- If you are sick, stay home, do not come to church. The sick are excused from the obligation to attend Mass. 
- Avoid close contact with persons who are ill. 
- Wash your hands often with soap and hot water, especially after coughing or sneezing. 
- Avoid touching your face. 
- These instructions are especially important for priests, deacons, and ministers of Holy Communion. 
- Ministers should not serve if they are sick. 
- Communion should be received on the hand. 
- Communion under both species should be temporarily suspended. 
- The sign of peace should be temporarily exchanged without physical contact. 

You can read the guidelines from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland here. 

Should the coronavirus outbreak worsen, churches may institute other measures to protect people. 

For now, there is no need to worry or panic, it is still safe to attend Mass as long as parishioners follow some common sense guidelines.