YORK COUNTY — Bishop Robert P. Deeley of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has lifted flu prevention protocols for Maine parishes that have been in place for worshippers since January.

Deeley had imposed strict guidelines for dealing with the outbreak of the flu at that time after reviewing reports from state health authorities.

In a press release issued Wednesday, Deeley said research indicates that in most of the state, the incidence of influenza has considerably lessened, yet in some areas it continues to be a concern.

He said he has decided to lift the protocols, but has informed pastors at parishes throughout the diocese to use their best judgment in deciding if flu precuations should continue because of illness in their local area.

Despite the protocol being relaxed, Deeley has advised worshippers that if they have a fever, sore throat, cough or flu-like symptoms, they should stay at home and not attend Mass until fully recovered.

He said that when individuals are ill, they are not bound by the Sunday Mass obligation.

The imposed flu protocol for the church included encouraging those at risk for contracting the flu to stay away from large church gatherings as an extra step intended to maintain their health. Other diocese precautions were the suspension of shared consecrated wine for the faithful and receiving  Holy Communion in the hand rather than on the tongue. 

The directive stipulated that priests distributing Holy Communion were not to touch the tongue or the hand of the communicant and they were supposed to sanitize their hands before and after distributing Holy Communion. 

Breaking with custom, Deeley also advised at the height of the flu outbreak that parishioners should not shake hands during the Sign of Peace and were encouraged to offer a verbal greeting, smile, or bow of the head instead.

“With the protocols lifted, the distribution of the shared consecrated wine for the faithful is reinstated and parishioners may shake hands during the Sign of Peace,” Deeley wrote in the press release.

The protocols became effective Saturday, Jan. 20, and lasted until the bishop lifted them on Wednesday.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com.