WELLINGTON New Zealands Catholic bishops have lifted restrictions on practices at Mass that were implemented three weeks ago in response to fears of the spread of H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu. In a May 21 statement, the bishops said they had decided to lift the restrictions after consulting with the Health Ministry. As a result, Communion on the tongue, Communion from the chalice and shaking hands at the Sign of Peace can resume.
The bishops asked for those three actions to cease on April 30, as news was developing on several cases of swine flu among people in New Zealand. Some dioceses overseas implemented similar precautions.
Despite the lifting of the restrictions, the bishops reiterated the need for priests and other Church ministers to employ good hygiene procedures.
Archbishop John Dew of Wellington, secretary of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, suggests that anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should be aware of others and exercise their judgement as to whether or not they receive Communion on the tongue or from the chalice, or shake hands during the Sign of Peace.
The bishops decision to restore the liturgical practices comes despite the fact the Health Ministry continuing to operate under Code Yellow precautions, the same stage that prompted the restrictions three weeks ago.
