One local Catholic church isn't taking any chances when it comes to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Most Precious Blood has put a halt to some of its most sacred proceedings.
"You get more with an ounce of prevention than a pound of cure," said the south side parish's pastor Fr. Bob Dunn.
And that's the thought process behind the latest changes to try and stay ahead of COVID-19 coronavirus.
Dunn said he has implemented the changes because, in his mind, it's better to be safe than sorry.
"During communion, we've asked people to consider receiving (the host) in the hand," he said. "The church will also refrain from shaking hands during mass as well as filling up the Holy Fonts with Holy Water to further protect against the spread of any virus.
It's a practice they've done before during severe flu outbreaks.
"The concern I have is two-fold: The flu season has really kicked in," Dunn said. "About three weeks ago I said, 'Let's just be super cautious,' and I mentioned we don't know anything about this virus."
Thursday, federal health officials approved the practice of more widespread testing for the virus after a patient in California recently tested positive for the fatal strain.
The Centers for Disease Control released a statement last week saying the spread of the virus in the U.S is inevitable, and with the landscape around coronavirus changing quickly, the CDC has expanded its criteria on testing for those entering the U.S.
That's why Dunn is doing his part to protect his parishioners.
"We're listening to the CDC and taking everything from there," he said. "I wouldn't want to be a carrier and pass it on to someone, especially the elderly."
