The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has suspended handshake during Mass, weddings and burials till further notice.

The Diocese issued a 10-point COVID-19 official pastoral guidelines banning exchange of the sign of peace – handshake or hugging – during the Holy Mass as well as the reception of Holy Communion by mouth, among others.

The statement which was signed by Bishop Callistus Onaga also advised all priests and people residing outside Enugu State not to return for Easter celebration and afterwards “until the deadly virus clears”.

It also advised that all funerals, weddings and other social functions should be put on hold, adding that where such cannot be suspended, that it should be restricted to only close family members.

“Parish priests and chaplains are to increase the number of Masses to reduce the strength of attendance for each Mass.

“To ensure social distance, only three or four persons should be in a pew, depending on its length; no Sunday Mass should last more than 45 minutes,” Onaga declared.