The Diocese of Kilmore has introudced a number of measures, which will be implemented in all churches, for the duration of the swine flu epidemic. Bishop Leo O'Reilly speaking in St. Aiden's Church, Butlersbridge, on Sunday morning said: "The move is necessary to avoid people spreading the virus." He said those who had flu or flu symptoms were requested not to attend mass or other church ceremonies. The handshake is to be discontinued as a means of offering the sign of peace. "People can have a moment of reflection," he added. "It is highly recommended that receiving communion on the tongue is replaced by reception on the hand." The sharing of one chalice by concelebrating priests and ministers of the eucharist is to be discontinued, with a possible alternative for the host to be dipped into the chalice. The Bishop added that clergy and lay ministers will be required to wash their hands with an alcohol-based sanitiser before and after distributing communion. "It is recommended that this is done in view of the people, as a means of reassuarnce." Holy water fonts in churches will be empty.He said parents with children displaying flu-like symptoms, should keep them at home until they have recovered and not sent them to school. "In most instances those affect should recover within a week and if it is prolonged any further, contact your doctor."