Influenza flu conflict between science and belief

Church administrative district advises against shaking hands among fair visitors

The outbreak of influenza cases, particularly the Australian flu, has led to the temporary banishment of ritual handshakes between visitors to the fair. The so-called "sign of peace" was temporarily banned by Northern Ireland's largest ecclesiastical administrative district of the Catholic Church. The diocese "Down and Connor" has advised priests to disinfect their hands before distributing Holy Communion. In a statement, the bishop's office announced that the decision had been made on the basis of a medical opinion. Also, the wine should not be distributed as part of the Holy Communion in the short term, as it is drunk from a common cup.

Several English news services, such as BBC News, are currently reporting on the topic. In his statement, Bishop Treanor said that the "sing of peace" would not be repeated until the risk of infection was significantly reduced. The "Sing of Peace" is a symbol of peace and is considered a tradition associated with the Catholic Church in Britain and Ireland. In practice, parishioners face each other and offer a sign of peace, usually in the form of a handshake. The ban on the sign is a reaction to the outbreak of a flu epidemic in the region. Just recently, health authorities in Northern Ireland warned that people should be prepared for a possible increase in cases.

The Catholic peace ritual "sign of peace" was temporarily banned because of the current flu epidemic in Northern Ireland by the church administration. (Image: Robert Kneschke / fotolia.com)

The church is under pressure

"Some people will sign of peace Certainly miss, but people generally understand the tremendous pressure that our hospitals are exposed to at this stage, "says Priest Martin Magill in conversation with BBC Radio Ulster. The shaking of hands in a flu epidemic with several people at the same time can do more harm than good, since the virus can easily spread by handshake. Parishioners who think they have flu were asked to stay away from the show. The Public Health Agency (PHA) advises people to take an immediate flu shot. (Fp)