Keuskupan Agung Singapura Menjawab Coronavirus: Tak Usah Salaman tapi Cukup Bungkukkan Badan Saat “Salam Damai”

COMMUNICATION to Catholic Laity after report of a Church identified a cluster of the Coronavirus cases

Dear Sisters and Brothers-in-Christ,

With the report that there is a new cluster comprising five coronavirus cases linked to a Christian Church, we should take greater precautions within our Catholic community.

To help allay the anxiety of our parishioners and the wider community we need to communicate responsibly and build the safety and confidence of our congregations following the guidelines the Archdiocese has put out in consultation with the Catholic Medical Guild (CMG).

Here are some key points you can share with your families, prayer groups and other ministries within your parish communities:

1) Our Catholic Medical Guild (CMG) is working closely with experts in infectious disease management to constantly update our precautionary measures in keeping with the development of the novel coronavirus (2019-CoV) situation.

2) All systems are as good as they are being adhered to, hence it is of vital importance for every individual to take responsibility for their own safety by maintaining good hygiene whilst practising Christian charity by doing the right things by their fellow churchgoers.

1. If you have a fever, respiratory symptoms, have a cough or a runny nose or unwell in any way – do not to participate in any church activities including weekday or Sunday Eucharist. You should see a doctor if necessary. The sick and the vulnerable are exempt from the Sunday obligation.

3) Avoid physical contact – follow the instructions of the church and appreciate those helping to keep us safe and healthy.

1. anyone in church ministry or who meet/greet/access many people at any time should avoid shaking hands during their duties. Have hand disinfectants made easily available.
2. should you join the queue for Holy Communion or for a blessing the Priest or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion could say a prayer for you without any physical contact needed.

4) Keep abreast of the latest CMG advisory on https://www.catholic.sg/coronavirus/ or https://www.moh.gov.sg/2019-ncov-wuhan.

5) Do not pre-judge or avoid people of a certain race or culture. Remember that the virus respects no boundaries or borders. Everyone is susceptible.

We will continue to update you as the situation develops.

Let us pray for everyone’s health; that this virus would be contained, have faith in God and ask for mercy that this virus will be dealt with effectively. Amen.

Issued by the Archbishop’s Communications Office (ArchComms)
11 February 2020

Beberapa hari sebelumnya, Keuskupan Singapura juga merilis hal berikut ini:

Friday, 7 February 2020

Given the start of transmission in the community, Catholic Medical Guild has recommended the closure of canteen operations to limit the incidence of the virus spreading within our Church community.

With regard to this, His Grace Archbishop William Goh has accordingly instructed that all church canteens be closed with immediate effect until further notice.

Additional updates on:

1. Priests to wear surgical mask for visiting sick at home and in confessional (Appendix 3, sections E and G).
2. Parishes and organisations should postpone non-essential activities till further notice. They should consider alternative online options. (Appendix 3, section I)
3. As an alternative to holy water fonts, parishes may use the rite of sprinkling of holy water in the beginning of the Mass. (appendix 3, section A, point 4)

Wednesday, 5 February 2020

1. Emphasis on personal and social hygiene.
2. Emphasis on need to follow general guidelines in appendices 1 and 2 for ALL attending Mass and church events.
3. Avoid holding of hands during Mass.
4. Holy Communion – no need for Communion ministers to wear mask or gloves.
5. Sacrament of Reconciliation  – need for availability of hand sanitizers, and priests to wash their hands with soap and water before and after administering the sacrament.
6. Consolidation of points in Appendix 3 to make it clearer, without unnecessary repetition of some points.
7. New cases reported by MOH (Introduction).

Monday, 3 February 2020 – Update on the Guidelines on travelers returning from mainland China, & more info on Catechism classes.

Saturday, 1 February 2020 –The Archbishop, in consultation with his Consultors, has decided to suspend all Catechism Classes for children (which includes parish and home catechism, CGS and RCIY) until 1st March, 2020 in view of the Wuhan Coronavirus.

This is a precautionary measure to protect the interests of our children.