Priests in Olsztyn, eastern Poland, have been advised by local sanitary inspectors to hang cling-film in confessional boxes to prevent congregations giving them swine flu.
Priests have also been instructed to give out holy water through soap dispensers in churches to prevent the faithful from dipping their fingers in a common receptacle.
Inspectors recommend a temporary ban on shaking hands to share the Sign of Peace due to fears of spreading swine flu. The faithful should also refrain from kissing figures of Saints and should receive the holy host on their hand rather then in the mouth.
Poland’s Chief Sanitary Inspectorate is preparing a list of good hygiene rules for the faithful attending Holy Mass and will ask priests to popularize them in their parishes. (kk/pg)
Source: Przekroj