There has been some concern as to the current status of the swine flu outbreak. Alan Winfield, our Emergency Planning Officer, has  received the following guidance from County Hall.

The advice from the Health Protection Agency and Derby PCT is that at present Derbyshire is NOT in a pandemic state, although the number of confirmed cases is steadily rising. Their advice is that should a pandemic be declared in Derbyshire then the passing of the communion cup should be discouraged or even temporarily ceased, also intinction should be discouraged as dipping finger tips into the chalice could spread germs; should the person concerned feel they may have flu it would be better if they stayed at home.

The situation is moving rapidly and further advice will be issued as the situation develops. However, Alan Winfield would like to remind you of our existing recommendations in force at the moment:

1. When visiting, conducting funerals/services(where handshaking is prevalent) clergy / licensed workers should, discreetly, either wipe their hands with antiseptic hand wipes, or, alcohol gel in order to prevent the spread of germs.

2. All churches should have available wipes etc. for use by clergy before distributing communion.

3. Members of the clergy, licensed workers etc. who contract swine flu and are off work, should notify the Emergency Plan Co-ordinator, who is monitoring the overall picture on 07796 560814. Alan will then liaise with the relevant Rural Dean to cover their commitments, or having contacted Alan, clergy should, if they are able, make their own arrangements for cover.

2 July 2009