There were no handshakes in many churches across Northern Ireland this morning as precautions were put into place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The movement is in line with the Public Heath Authority’s guidance.
No handshakes were given at Methodist Church services and gloves were worn by those administering communion.
The Catholic Church meanwhile has said that holy water will be removed from fonts. Sharing a chalice at communion will be halted along with handshaking which signifies a Sign of Peace.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common across the world. These viruses can cause mild symptoms ranging from a fever and cough to more serious conditions such as severe pneumonia, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
In December 2019, a new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan City, China The UK Chief Medical Officers have declared the risk to the public to be moderate. But the risk to individuals remains low.
Higher risk areas include:
- Hubei province (including Wuhan) China (visited in the past 14 days).
- H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel, Tenerife (visited since 17 February)
or (visited since 19 February):
- Iran
- Daegu Metropolitan City and Cheongdo County in South Korea
- Any of these specific areas in Northern Italy:
Towns in Lombardy:
- Bertonico,
- Castelgerundo,
- Castiglione d’Adda,
- Codogno,
- Fombio,
- Maleo,
- San Fiorano,
- Somaglia,
- Terranova dei Passerini.
Towns in Veneto:
- Vo’ Euganeo