RUTLAND, Vt. (AP) — Vermont's Roman Catholic church is trying to find ways to let parishioners attend mass without spreading the H1N1 swine flu.
Last week the statewide Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington issued new rules designed to reduce the likelihood that people in church could spread the flu.
The Rutland Herald says that Bishop Salvatore Matano ordered that all holy water fonts be cleaned and refilled daily and holding hands in church isn't allowed.
The flu rules also call for not allowing people to shake hands, which is part of a normal sign of peace.
The directives in Vermont are similar to those ordered by the Boston archdiocese.
The new rules will last at least until the flu season is over.
