Flu season is upon us and with it comes a new, more serious strain called H1N1. As a community that gathers publicly, particularly with vulnerable people of reduced immunity, our vigilance is important.

What is the Parish of Three Harbours doing?

1. Since June we have been following the Bishop's guidelines on healthy eucharistic practice.
1. Servers and eucharistic ministers, including the priest, sanitize their hands before handling the bread and wine.
2. We take particular care when passing the peace
3. Since the flu virus is passed largely through the hand, we have stopped the practice of intinction (dipping the bread in the wine). The common cup has NOT been identified as a way of transmission. Worshippers are safe to receive from the common cup, but may also receive the bread alone.
4. The priest will not celebrate the Eucharist if she is feeling ill or exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Eucharistic ministers and servers will only carry out their regularly scheduled duties if they are healthy and showing no flu-like symptoms.
2. We are currently reviewing the Diocesan Pandemic Plan to institute our own plan.
   
3. Distributing information to our parishioners including flu clinic schedules and information on caring for ourselves and others.

What can I do?

As a community, we all carry a responsibility to care for the health of one another. Please consider the following:

1. If you are sick or showing flu-like symptoms, please stay home. You need to rest to get well. Please contact the parish office so we can uphold you in prayer and bring communion to you if your sickness is long-term. Please join us in prayer on Sunday from home by participating in morning or evening prayer.
2. When vaccinations are available to you, get vaccinated. Vaccinations for all people, healthy or not, are important to fight the flu in our communities.
   
3. Be careful when passing the peace. There are many ways to pass peace with one another such as a bow, a wave, making eye contact etc.
4. Wash your hands frequently. Carry hand sanitizer with you and use it often.

Where can I get more information?

1. Vaccination clinics are ongoing and you can find the schedule on our parish calendar.
2. Diocesan Pandemic Plan
   
3. Should I go to the hospital?
   
4. How do I take care of someone with the flu?