The Archdiocese of Denver has instituted precautionary measures for celebrating Mass in the wake of Gov. Jared Polis’s “state of emergency” declaration over the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, stressing that the changes are temporary and reflect “prudence and charity with the greater good of our communities in mind.”

In place of Holy Water, hand sanitizer will be available at the entrances of all churches. There will be no wine given during Communion, and bread will transfer from hand to hand. Priests must ensure that all containers used in Mass are disinfected afterward, and collection should take place “in a manner that limits the number of hands” making contact with the offering basket.

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila recommended these guidelines to parishes last week, but has since made them mandatory. He added that priests should reassure their parishioners that skipping Mass due to illness should be viewed as an act of charity toward others, and is not an abrogation of responsibility. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that older adults and those with chronic medical conditions are most susceptible to the virus.

“The CDC has encouraged the more vulnerable populations to avoid large crowds,” the archdiocese announced to parishioners. “If you are at high risk for adverse health complications from COVID-19, it is allowable for you to stay home from Mass.”

There will be a live stream of Sunday Masses in English and Spanish online.