Helpful links:
-Centers for Disease Control
-MN Dept. of Health Recommendations
-US Dept. of Health - Comprehensive Guidance
-Faith-Based Organization's Checklist
-Key Flu Indicators, Prevention, and Treatment
|
Prevention of H1N1 is a large priority. Please avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth after coming in contact with sick persons or possibly contaminated surfaces and observe the precautions issued by the Centers for Disease Control.
1. Effective February 01, 2010, I am lifting my restrictions for institutions of the Diocese of Saint Cloud to not offer the common Cup for Communion that were instated last September. Parishioners are invited to again receive under both forms, per liturgical norms.
2. Parishioners may exchange a verbal or physical Sign of Peace, depending on their comfort.
3. Priests, Deacons, Extraordinary Ministers, Sacristans, Greeters and Ushers are to exercise good hand hygiene, i.e., washing hands with soap and water before and after the liturgy. In particular, those distributing Communion should use hand sanitizer before and after Communion. Boxes of tissue and additional hand sanitizer are to be provided in the gathering spaces, restrooms, kitchens or church entrances for those who wish to use them.
4. An announcement should be made at the beginning of Mass regarding the lifting of past restrictions.
5. To reduce the transmission of the virus, bathrooms must be cleaned more frequently and door handles disinfected. Ushers or parish nurses are asked to freshen those areas between Masses. Toys in play areas should be sanitized after each use. |
