Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Adewale Martins has issued guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of the disease.

In a statement titled: ‘The outbreak of Ebola Virus—a pastoral approach’, the Lagos archbishop provided the following nuggets to enable his priests to assist health authorities on arresting the spread of the disease.

They include the following; “Awareness and Sensitization: Priests should enlist the services of Medical Doctors and other health workers in sensitizing the people on Ebola: its symptoms, effects, preventive measures, management of self and how to handle an infected person, etc.

Hand Sanitizer (Personal Hygiene): Priests should encourage the people to practice frequent washing of hands with suitable anti-bacterial hand-washing liquid and use of hand sanitizers.

Sick Call: Priests should exercise caution when they go for sick calls particularly when they have to administer the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. They should ensure regular hand washing after visiting patients in the hospital or homes.

Counting Offerings/Collection: Priests should encourage the use of gloves.

Distribution of Communion: The Bishops of the Province will be meeting next week to discuss, among other matters, the issue of communion in the hand.

Meanwhile, the traditional means of distributing and receiving communion (Hand to Mouth) should be maintained until we give contrary information. In doing this, Priests should be cautious and pay attention to ensure that they do not touch the tongue of recipients. If necessary a Purificator should be used while distributing Holy Communion.

The Sign of Peace: Taking into consideration the fact that this rite is optional, we shall henceforth omit it i.e. not invite people to offer the sign of peace. When you get to this rite, skip it. Note also, that the recent Circular from the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments acknowledged this when it stated: “It is completely legitimate to affirm that it is not necessary to invite “mechanistically” to exchange the sign of peace. This rite is optional” the congregation reminded.

Holy Water Bowls: The use of Holy Water Fonts at the entrance of the Church should be discontinued forthwith until the virus alert is lifted. This does not preclude private use of Holy Waters in homes and offices.

Washing of hands: Wash hand bowls and soap should be provided in the sacristy for regular use by Altar Servers and Priests while hand sanitizers are to be provided where necessary.