Catholic Church in Mexico Issues National Precaution for Masses

The Catholic Church announced in Mexico City yesterday that masses would be altered, foregoing the sign of peace ritual just prior to communion, and asking parishioners to accept communion in their hands. This is a precautionary step to contain the spread of a deadly new strain of swine flu, which began in Mexico City. The Mexican government is cooperating fully with the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, to try to contain the spread of the disease, which threatens to become a global pandemic.