Atlanta Archdiocese updates its precautions against the coronavirus
The Archdiocese of Atlanta has expanded its response to the coronavirus, after two people were diagnosed with the illness in Fulton County Monday.
The updated recommendation calls for omitting the exchange of peace and asked that people not touch each other during this part of the mass. Generally, parishioners hug or shake hands with people around them.
»THE LATEST: Complete coverage of coronavirus in Georgia
The memo, from Bishop Joel M. Konzen, the Atlanta archdiocesan administrator, also requested that ministers of the Eucharist use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately before distributing communion.
CDC recommends preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• If you are concerned you might have the coronavirus, call your healthcare provider before going to a hospital or clinic. In mild cases, your doctor might give you advice on how to treat symptoms at home without seeing you in person, which would reduce the number of people you expose. But in more severe cases an urgent care center or hospital would benefit from advance warning because they can prepare for your arrival. For example, they may want you to enter a special entrance, so you don’t expose others.
Source: CDC
“We will continue to withhold communion from the chalice for the time being,” said the memo to priests, deacons, nuns, chancery staff, partner agencies and parish leaders. “We are not issuing a directive eliminating Holy Communion on the tongue at this time, but pastors may want to suggest parishioners receive only in their hands in light of the heightened concern of random transmission and the likelihood that more people will be affected in Georgia.”
Related: Are fears about the coronavirus affecting church services?
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Parishioners, staff and students are advised to stay home if they are not feeling well. He cited continuing concern about the flu as well as the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
In the Georgia cases, those affected include two members of the same household, identified as a father and son.
Related: Georgia father and son test positive for coronavirus
One of the people had recently returned to Georgia from a trip to the Italian city of Milan, according to Channel 2 Action News and stae health officials.
The virus has infected nearly 90,000 people worldwide.
More than 90 confirmed cases of the disease have been reported in the U.S.
Nine people have died of the coronavirus in the Seattle area.
About the Author
Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.
