Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

Friday 31 January, 2020

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The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has not called for the suspension of any practices at Mass in response to novel coronavirus that appeared in China and has been detected in several countries, including Australia. The Conference is closely monitoring the situation.

As always, common sense dictates that people who suspect they may be suffering from or carrying an infectious condition should stay home until they are well.

At this point, health authorities have said that the risk of exposure to the public is very low, especially if they have not travelled to one of the affected areas or have had contact with someone who has.

If health authorities provide further advice on public gatherings or regarding the reception of Holy Communion, the Conference will issue further instructions. Dioceses, in liaison with parishes and other ministries, are encouraged to monitor local and national health advice.