Coronavirus Prompts LI Diocese To Ban Handshakes, Chalice-Sharing

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — Changes are coming to Long Island's Catholic churches amid growing concerns over the new coronavirus that has infected at least 11 people in New York and more than 100 nationwide.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre said it will suspend some rites of Masses on the Island in the face of the coronavirus, known as COVID-19. All churches in the diocese — which encompasses 134 parishes on Long Island and serves 1.5 million people — were told how to change Masses to protect the health of parishioners.

Two changes will affect all Masses until further notice. First, the chalice will not be shared with parishioners — it will only be for clergy or folks who cannot take communion for health reasons.

Second, Masses will no longer have the Sign of Peace, where parishioners shake hands with one another.

The diocese also said people who are sick should stay home and not attend Mass. Those that do attend should wash their hands frequently.

People in 15 states have tested positive for coronavirus. Of the 11 people who tested positive for the new coronavirus in New York, none were on Long Island.

The wife, son and daughter of the New Rochelle man who was the second confirmed case of the new coronavirus tested positive for the disease, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday morning. The man's neighbor who drove him to the hospital also tested positive.

About 1,000 people are expected to go into either mandatory or self-quarantine in Westchester County and New York City.