As the number of COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases quickly rises in many different countries, churches around the world are discussing ways to protect their communities.

Shaking hands, sharing Hymnbooks, passing collection plates, and post-service refreshments are among the things the Church of England and Wales have heavily advised against in order to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Everyone who attends a Church of England and Wales service is being advised to sanitize their hands before they enter the church, and Christians who are vulnerable to serious illness have been advised not to attend large gatherings within the church as it could lead to them becoming fatally ill.

St. Bernadette Church in Miami have also discussed implementing some safety precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19. Father Bryan Garcia has recommended a handful of policies to put in place at the church. Things such as increased use of anti-bacterial hand soap and suspending the distribution of sacramental wine have been suggested.

There have been no cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba so far, and only 27 confirmed cases in Canada. There have been 38 coronavirus tests performed in Manitoba. All have tested negative. 

The Public Health Agency of Canada says that the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 while in Manitoba is low.