Alert stops handshake at services.Byline: MICHAEL MC HUGH SWINE flu swine flu n. A highly contagious form of human influenza caused by a filterable virus identical or related to a virus formerly isolated from infected swine. fears have forced a Catholic priest to abandon the sign of peace handshake at mass, it was revealed yesterday. The practice was suspended in Newry, Co Down, as a precaution following virus cases in Britain and the Republic. The move came after a parishioner wrote to Dominican Chapel prior Fr Gerard Fearon calling for action. Fr Fearon said: "I just thought we would suspend it for a while in the context that scientists are saying we should be protecting ourselves against swine flu and how it is important to have clean hands freedom from guilt, esp. from the guilt of dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe taking. See also: Hand ." He told a local newspaper the sign of peace would be suspended at Dominican services this weekend but added it would be reinstated "again once the health authorities have given absolute clearance". One parishioner said he was surprised at the length the church was going to. He added: "It does seem a bit over the top." There have been no confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland: see Ireland, Northern. Northern Ireland Part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland occupying the northeastern portion of the island of Ireland. Area: 5,461 sq mi (14,144 sq km). Population (2001): 1,685,267. .. |
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