Because of the high number of confirmed cases of the A(H1N1) virus in the Philippines, the Catholic church is now implementing the policy of no holding hands during the “Our Father” to prevent the further spreading of the virus.

It is common to see people holding hands while reciting or singing the Our Father during mass but because the virus can be spread through transmission with holding hands, this tradition has to be stopped until the spreading of virus subsides. The Diocese of Bulacan’s social director, Fr. Dennis Espejo, encourages the bishops to remind all their parishioners to avoid holding hands as well during Mass.

Aside from the holding hands, they also implement the avoidance of “beso-beso” to greet each other during the mass as a preventive measure for the virus.

Since the virus already reached the Pandemic Alert 6, everybody should do their share in preventing the virus from further spreading. You can avoid getting the virus with proper hygiene and avoidance of such contacts with other people.  You must also keep yourself healthy so your body can combat the virus.