Coronavirus: Catholic churches in Sheffield take precautions against virus

As the virus spreads around the country, Sheffield’s catholic leaders have moved to minimise the risk Mass services could pose to parishioners.

In preparation for Sunday’s services, Catholic churches in the city have been told not to use holy water and clergy have also been told not to shake worshipers by the hand, as is customary.

And during holy communion, where churchgoers would normally take bread and wine, the shared chalice used to hold communion wine has also been disposed of.

It is not the first time hand-shaking has been stopped in Catholic churches in the UK, after it was temporarily halted during the swine flu outbreak 11 years ago.

Catholic churches around the world have been following similar advice since the current outbreak worsened, with the Pope in Rome even conducting services via video link.