Both the Archbishop and the School office issued directives this past Monday about the Coronavirus.
Here is the summary of the salient points with some of the changes prudence dictates we put into effect immediately.
First, when discussing the coronavirus, we should only emphasize the facts that we know to be true, which are the following:
- Seasonal flu is currently making a bigger impact in our communities. There have been 10,000 deaths from flu in the U.S. this season, and six deaths from coronavirus so far. (as of 3/3)
- The potential global public health threat posed by this virus is high; however, right now, the immediate risk to most Americans is low.
- People at greater risk are those who have recently traveled to China or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
The Archdiocese is leaning on the strength of knowledge of our partners in the health-care community, including our doctors, nurses and hospitals such as SSM and Mercy, to help inform and advise us on all decisions regarding our children, faculty and schools and parishes. These decisions are being driven by what we learn from Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the St. Louis City and County Health Depts.
THAT BEING SAID, until there is clarity from the CDC about whether the virus can be spread by the virus’ contact with the communion cup, (whether by sneeze, cough, or transfer from the hands of carriers of the virus to the cup**) prudence advises us to err on the side of caution in three key areas of our liturgical practice:
- Suspension of shaking of the hands or other physical contact during the SIGN OF PEACE. Eye contact, and a reverent bow will suffice.
- Suspension of distribution of communion under the form of the Precious Blood
- Suspension of receiving the Body of Christ on the tongue.
Sacristans and Eucharistic Ministers and Ushers have been given their own directives about how to most effectively do our part in preventing the spread of ANY flu virus – of which, most of these have already been a part of our regimen here at St. Justin, since before my arrival…
The Archbishop asked that we remind the elderly (most at risk from any flu) that they have the option to participate in the Mass on TV via channels such as EWTN, and to request that Holy Communion be brought to their place of residence. As always, people with a respiratory infection, the flu, a fever or a serious cold should be encouraged to stay home and reassured that they are not bound to attend weekend Mass.
We do ask your prayers for those on the front lines of combating this virus, and for an effective vaccine to be developed quickly… And make sure you check in on your elderly neighbors and relatives to see how they are doing…
(** According to the CDC – Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, similar to how influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths, noses, or eyes of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It is currently unclear if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Until we know, it seems prudent to take these precautions…)