Catholic Church acts to curb risk of Coronavirus in Highlands
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Catholic Church in the Highlands and Islands has warned against taking communion from the Chalice and using holy water in services amid fears of spreading Coronavirus.
Bishop Brian McGee, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, has issued a message to parishes including those in Badenoch and Strathspey introducing a number of temporary measures "until further notice".
The precautions including the bowing of heads as a sign of peace rather than shaking hands.
The Bishop's letter says: "Dear brothers and sisters, due to the confirmed arrival of the Coronavirus in Scotland I have decided that throughout our diocese:1. The founts are to be emptied of Holy Water.
"Furthermore, during the celebration of the Eucharist:2. The Sign of Peace is to be offered by bowing to each other rather than by shaking hands.
"Holy Communion will not be received on the tongue.
"The Chalice will not be offered to the congregation.
"I have taken this decision as a precaution and to help safeguard your health and the health of others. The ruling is temporary and I will revoke it when it is considered appropriate to do so.
"Let us continue to pray for those who across the world are suffering from the virus, for those who care for them and that medical advancement will successfully combat it."
The measures follow the outbreak which has seen the number of people diagnosed with coronavirus in Scotland rise to three.
It was confirmed earlier this week that the man from Tayside had tested positive for Covid-19 after travelling from Italy.
Of the two most recent cases, one patient recently travelled to northern Italy and the other has had contact with a known positive case.
