Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued this letter March 1 to the people of the Diocese of Little Rock regarding the spread of the coronavirus in the United States.
"As we all know, the coronavirus seems to be becoming a worldwide threat for which there is no vaccination or cure available. Moreover, since it seems that it is present in the body for a long time before symptoms appear, it will be very difficult to prevent its spread. As always, persons who feel ill should not come to Mass. The following may be helpful and so I am asking for these temporary modifications to be implemented in our diocese as soon as possible:
- Reception of Eucharist at Mass in the hand rather than on the tongue except in the Latin Masses for whom reception on the hand is not an option
- Temporarily discontinuing the distribution of the Precious Blood at Mass.
- Forgoing the holding of hands at the Lord’s Prayer
- A bow for the Sign of Peace in place of handshaking
Let us pray for all of those who are already affected by this virus, especially for those with compromised immune systems who are most at risk."
