As the number of COVID-19 cases surpasses 40 across the country, the head of Niagara'sĀ Anglican Diocese has issued a pastoral letter with regards to hygiene practices during services.
The letter to clergy and parishioners from Bishop Susan Bell suggests all parishes have hand sanitizer available for the public to use, clergy and communion assistants should wash their hands before and after communion, and congregations should adopt a contact free Exchange of the Peace, substituting a handshake with a smile or slight bow instead.
The Bishop also says any parishioners who are ill or suspect they may be should stay home to recover adding they can request a pastoral visit if desired.
There is no word yet from the St. Catharines Roman Catholic Diocese, but Hamilton Bishop Douglas Crosby is also reminding that handshaking during the exchange of peace is not necessary.