Church bans chalices to combat flu
Churches in the Southwell diocese are thought to be the first in the country to stop serving communion wine from a chalice because of swine flu.
The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Right Rev George Cassidy, has advised all clergy in the Anglican diocese to stop giving wine from a common cup and give only bread to members of congregations taking Holy Communion.
A spokesman for the diocese said: “This new advice will be adopted for the forthcoming services at Southwell Minster, including the ordinations.”
She said the recommendations would be reviewed regularly by the emergency planning officer, the Rev Anthony Giles.
The Roman Catholic Church’s Liturgy Office for England and Wales has produced a leaflet, entitled The Church And Flu — Keeping Well, Taking Care, advising ministers and congregations on how to reduce the chances of an outbreak of swine flu and what precautions to take.
The leaflet tells ministers that only in case of a grave outbreak of flu is there need for any change to the normal arrangements for the ministering of Holy Communion.
It said in such a case instructions would be issued by the minister’s bishop.
The Department of Health has declared Rushcliffe and some other areas of the county as a swine flu hot-spot. Newark and Sherwood is not regarded as a hot-spot.
The public is advised that if they develop flu-like symptoms, they should visit the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk or call the Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513, and if they have done that and are still concerned they should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or telephone their GP.
Patients diagnosed with having swine flu would be asked to nominate a flu friend, who could collect the medicine from a support unit by taking along a form of identification for both themselves and the patient.
People who have symptoms are being asked not to go to the support units to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
The public can protect themselves by using tissues to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze, to put the tissues in the bin after one use and to wash their hands with soap and hot water or with a sanitiser gel.
