Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes is taking its cues from the Diocese of Crookston with regard to coronavirus precautions, according to Monsignor Timothy McGee.
McGee, who has served as the church's spiritual leader since 2009, said that any church member who is experiencing flu-like symptoms should refrain from attending church functions until they are feeling better.
"We're telling people to stay home if they feel sick," he said, adding that anyone who calls or contacts the parish is being told, "You are relieved of your Sunday obligation if you are ill, or caring for someone who is sick."
In addition, he added, they are following the guidelines sent out by the Crookston diocese on Thursday, March 12.
"We have emptied our holy water fonts, and we are using anti bacterial hand sanitizers as needed for distributing Holy Communion," he said, adding that "all of our extraordinary ministers of holy communion (i.e., lay ministers) have been asked to sanitize their hands before and after they help with the distribution of holy communion."
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In addition, parishioners are being asked to refrain from holding hands during the Lord's Prayer, and to offer the sign of peace — without touching — during the mass.
Holy Rosary Catholic School is also following the diocese's lead regarding virus protection protocols.
"We’re encouraging more washing of hands and not a lot of touching," said McGee. "Cover your mouth when you cough, be sure you use tissues when you’re blowing your nose and watch for things like that."
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