“To refrain from sharing germs if possible,” said Father Andrew Pavlak.

That means no more hand-holding, no receiving Communion wafers on the tongue and no more Holy Water.

“Because what does everybody do? Put their hand in the Holy Water, bless themselves then cough and it becomes a little petri dish,” Father Pavlak said.

Church leaders are also asking people who are sick to not attend church until they feel better.

“It's not a sin to miss mass if you are sick. It's a bigger sin to come to mass if you are sick and pass your germs around,” Father said.

Father Pavlak said the church has implemented these restrictions during past flu seasons, but are more serious about them now because of the coronavirus.



