Holy water fonts are being drained and the sign of peace suspended as the Catholic Church does its bit to combat coronavirus.
The Catholic Church has issued advice to priests and those attending Mass across Ireland following the detection of the first case of coronavirus.
Information which has been circulated today to all clergy, includes advice to suspend the sign of peace, which includes the shaking of hands during services.
It was confirmed last night that a woman who had flown from northern Italy to Dublin Airport, before continuing her journey by land to Belfast – reportedly using public transport – has been diagnosed with the virus.
This is coming after Saudi Arabia temporarily halted the entry of pilgrims for visits to holy sites, in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus.
The Saudi government said it would suspend visas for Muslims seeking to visit Mecca and Medina.
