/cont Read detailed advice from the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds to dioceses here, including advice on administering communion and a summary of Government advice.

General Hygiene –Observe Best Practice. The impact of the Swine Flu virus can be reduced through following the

Government’s ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ campaign and their other advice here.

Clergy and those administering Holy Communion may wish to adopt the practice of taking time to wash hands thoroughly before a service, maybe through making the lavabo a more than symbolic hand-washing.

Other worthwhile precautions include ensuring that surfaces such as handrails, door knobs etc, commonly touched by many hands, are cleaned frequently. Holy Water Stoups should also be suspended. There is no recommendation about The Peace, but some parishioners might prefer a verbal exchange to a handshake.

If you catch flu, the Government’s newly set up National Pandemic Flu Service is the first port of call. It operates telephone help lines to diagnose cases of Swine Flu and issue anti-viral drugs if necessary. Clergy who have been diagnosed with Swine Flu either by a physician or the National Pandemic Flu Service are encouraged to stay indoors until they are well. Please bear in mind that alternative backup arrangements may be needed. In all other circumstances, clergy should maintain normal activity as far as possible. As the situation develops it is being watched closely and there is a comprehensive plan in place should it deteriorate or should Government advice ask for this to be deployed.

+Alan St Albans

See http://direct.gov.uk/swineflu for Government advice on swineflu.

Download the Department for Communities and Local Government's booklet, Faith Communities and Pandemic Flu, here