Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
GOD BLESS FLU..
Sign of peace axed due to infection fear
A SENIOR cleric has suspended the use of the sign of peace handshake due to the risk of infection.
The office for Bishop of Down and Connor Noel Treanor acted following a surge in cases of the H3N2 virus, also known as Australian flu.
The diocese said precautionary measures, established in response to the swine flu epidemic in 2009, were being reactivated on medical advice.
A statement added: “The customary sign of peace handshake exchanged during Mass is suspended until the risk of infection is significantly reduced.
“Communion under both species for the congregation, assisting ministers and extra-ordinary ministers will similarly be temporarily suspended.
“Other provisions will be made for those who suffer from a coeliac condition, such as separate chalices.
“Provision should be made for all ministers to use alcohol gel or wash their hands in warm soapy water before Mass and after the distribution of Holy Communion to minimise risk of infection.
The Diocese of Down and Connor pays tribute to all working within the
NORTHERN Ireland is set to be hit by an Arctic blast this weekend sending the mercury plummeting.
The Met Office is forecasting temperatures as low as –5C as freezing air pushes south.
Today should be dry with almost unbroken sunshine, but a widespread medical field and acknowledges that hospitals across Northern Ireland are currently experiencing high numbers of patient admissions of those suffering from respiratory illnesses directly linked to the flu virus. These precautionary
frost is expected later this evening which has the potential to be the coldest night so far this winter.
A frosty start to tomorrow is forecast with more dry and sunny spells.
Monday is looking to be mostly dry but cloudier as the south-easterly breeze strengthens. measures are temporary and will remain under review until the risk of infection is significantly reduced.”
Meanwhile, the Public Health Agency’s Dr Lorraine Doherty, urged everyone eligible to get vaccinated.
She said: “Getting the free flu vaccine is the single most important thing you can do to help protect yourself against flu.
“Everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated against flu should see it as a positive step in protecting their health and the health of others around them. “It will also help reduce the burden on our health service during an already busy time of year. “All trusts here make flu vaccine available to healthcare workers.”