PARISHONERS in the Diocese of Winchester could see their traditions of worship changed due to coronavirus.

The Church of England’s Adviser on health issues Dr Brendan McCarthy has issued advice to reduce transmission of the virus.

The advice has been updated alongside a letter from the Bishop of Winchester The Right Reverend Tim Dakin.

Dr McCarthy sates: “Churches should already be following best-hygiene practices that include advising parishioners with coughs and sneezes to refrain from handshaking during The Peace and to receive Communion in one kind only.

“At present, there is no Government advice that suggests the use of the Common Cup should be suspended.”

The diocese is also advising that it is “best practice” for churches to have hand-sanitisers available for parishioners to use.

Priests presiding at the Eucharist, communion administrators and servers should also wash their hands, preferably with an alcohol-based hand-sanitiser.

“Intinction is not recommended (even by celebrants or communion-administrators) as this represents an infection transmission route as well as a risk to those with certain allergies,” Dr McCarthy continued.

“Whilst in places of worship, there is no need to avoid other worshippers who are well or to change normal faith practices – this includes taking wine from the communal chalice.”

Parishioners have also been advised to follow guidance from Public Health England.

In a letter Bishop Tim said: “The virus which has spread from parts of China to many other countries including the UK has dominated the news for several weeks. We pray for those parts of the world which have been most seriously affected by the virus, as well as for all those in government and healthcare who responsibility it is to take the best possible care of the sick in our communities.

“Although the impact on thousands of lives has been terrible, we are also reminded that the vast majority of those who catch the virus will have mild symptoms from which they will recover within days.

“Our response must recognise the threat which it presents to the vulnerable, and the need for sensible precautions.”