Despite concerns over the Communion chalice used to distribute wine, one study suggests it may not be as unsanitary as expected, RNS reports.
"For the average communicant it would seem that the risk of drinking from the common cup is probably less than the risk of air-borne infection in using a common building," a Canadian cardiologist Dr. David Gould concluded in a 2000 article.
No cases of swine flu have been reported in York County, but state health officials confirmed one case Sunday in Montgomery County. Some churches and denominations are urging caution.
An advisory from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg on Friday urged parishes and schools to follow proper sanitary procedures.
The diocese also reminded Catholics that if they have symptoms of the flu or a severe cold, they should remain home: "It is not sinful to miss Mass if they are sick and unable to attend, it is an act of charity."
The diocese also recommended canceling any school trips to New York.
The local synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has published guidelines and tips for congregations on its disaster response site.
Read a Q&A on swine flu notification in Pennsylvania.
Read a swine flu Q&A with Stanford University's Cornelia Dekker here.
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