Preparing for H1N1 Novel Influenza in Minnesota
Many of us are following news about the recent outbreak of H1N1 novel influenza (swine flu). While the Center for Disease Control (CDC) did declare a public health emergency, both the CDC and the White House have assured the public that there is a need for heightened awareness and preparedness but no cause for alarm.
According to a recent article in Episcopal Life:
Churches -- like other public places where people gather regularly -- could be sites of disease transmission. During previous outbreaks of illness, such as the incidence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 in 37 countries, the U.S. and Canada, certain worship practices also came under scrutiny. During Episcopal Sunday services, many people shake hands or hug during part of the service called the "passing of the peace," sip wine from the same communion chalice or dip the communion wafer in the wine.
Episcopal Church diocesan bishops have the authority to order changes in worship, said Clay Morris, program officer for worship and spirituality, at the church center in New York. Research collected at his office, he said, shows that the practice of sharing the chalice, called the "common cup," generally carries a very low risk of infection. "We are told repeatedly that the common cup is not a health hazard," he said in an interview. Usually, the cup bearer wipes the rim and turns the cup after each person sips. However, he said, the practice of dipping the wafer, called intinction, may carry a higher risk since fingers are also often dipped into the wine.
In an effort to help congregations and members of the diocese become more prepared and aware of the situation, we provide the following resources:
Trust for America's Health
Pandemic flu, lessons from the frontline
Centers for Disease Control
H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community and Faith Based Organizations
Minnesota
MN Department of Health H1N1 homepage
Episcopal Relief and Development
As part of the Domestic Disaster Response program, ERD is closely monitoring the needs related to swine flu by remaining in regular contact with public health officials and authorities on both national and local levels. Extensive information about preparing for the swine flu and other potential pandemic influenza outbreaks is available on the ERD website including a faith-based organization preparedness checklist, links to strong examples of pandemic preparedness plans and resources that can help people to maintain business continuity and provide for congregational gathering needs should an outbreak occur.
Worship Resources
If you have liturgical concerns about church services during a pandemic, consider the following advice from the Diocese of Maryland:
Go to Church: As long as you are feeling well, continue to worship as usual. Take the normal precautions if you or a family member is ill (ie. stay home).
The Passing of the Peace: A handshake is not mandated by the Church, and is discouraged during this time. Continue to verbally share the Peace of our Lord. Making eye contact, slightly bowing your head, or a friendly wave are good substitutes for the traditional handshake or hug.
The Holy Eucharist: It is not sacramentally necessary to receive “in both kinds” – both the bread and the wine – in order to make a full communion. A worshipper’s individual health needs may preclude taking either the bread or the wine, and the provision of non-wheat wafers for those who are allergic to wheat is encouraged.
The Common Cup: Medical experts agree that the danger of transmitting communicable diseases by sharing the chalice is negligible. History has borne this out and we still highly encourage this ancient liturgical practice. Intinction (dipping the bread into the cup), however, poses a greater potential threat, especially when the bread is handled with unwashed hands.
Chalice bearers: Wipe the rim of the cup and turn it after every person is served.
Clergy: Wash your hands, and consider using an anti-bacterial gel before the administration of communion.
Also, you may find these links are helpful:
We hope this information is helpful to you. Rest assured that if the situation becomes more serious, we will do our best to be in touch with any updates in a timely manner.
