AFRICA/GHANA - COVID-19: The Church in Ghana takes preventive measures

Friday, 6 March 2020 coronavirus   bishops  

Accra (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops of Ghana, like those of other countries, have also invited the faithful to take preventive measures to avoid contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
In a special document, the Bishops have asked Catholics to receive Holy Communion in the hand instead of the tongue.
"All are encouraged to receive Holy Communion in the hand", reads part of a statement by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC).The Prelates direct the Ministers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion "to wash their hands or use sanitizer before and after distributing Holy Communion".
"Avoid handshakes and embracing one another during Kiss of Peace", the Bishops have urged in the three-page statement issued in consultation with the Health Directorate of the National Catholic Secretariat (NCS).
Finally, the Bishops have invited the faithful to pray intensely to end the spread of the disease.
In neighboring Nigeria, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos temporarily suspended the Sign of Peace through handshakes and hugs and the receiving Holy Communion on the tongue alongside other directives. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 6/3/2020)


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