SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls area Catholics should stay home from church if they’re feeling sick, Rev. Donald DeGrood, the Bishop of Sioux Falls, said in a statement Wednesday.
DeGrood said individual churches can make their own decisions on how best to handle the coronavirus outbreak, but offered a number of suggestions in the release. Eight South Dakotans have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, three of whom live in Minnehaha County.
DeGrood said “those who are ill with the flu or another illness are dispensed from attendance at Masses of obligation during their illness,” advising those who stay home to watch mass on television.
Churches are also encouraged to avoid distributing sacramental wine during communion and avoid physical contact during mass. The bishop also discouraged churchgoers from shaking hands during the Sign of Peace, noting churches can remove the Sign of Peace from mass altogether if they choose.
DeGrood asked people to pray “that our most senior brothers and sisters and any others who are vulnerable might be spared from this infection” as well as praying for health care providers and first responders.
