The Diocese of Salisbury has issued some important guidance for churches in the area following the outbreak of coronavirus.

The virus known as COVID-19 has so far affected more than 200 people in the UK.

A spokesman for the Diocese said: “Churches should already be following best-hygiene practices that include advising parishioners with coughs and sneezes to refrain from handshaking during the Peace and to receive Communion in one kind only.

“At present there is no government advice that suggests the use of the Common Cup should be suspended.

“It is also best practice for churches to have hand-sanitisers available for parishioners to use.

“In addition, priests presiding at the Eucharist, communion administrators and servers should wash their hands, preferably with an alcohol-based (minimum 60 per cent) hand-sanitiser.

“Intinction is not recommended (even by celebrants or communion-administrators) as this represents an infection transmission route as well as a risk to those with certain allergies.

“Best hygiene practice should continue to be observed in all pastoral contacts.”

The current government advice is that individuals should follow good hygiene practices including carrying tissues and using them to catch coughs and sneezes and binning them after usage.

Last week the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the spread of the virus in the UK is likely.

He encouraged people to wash their hands two times to Happy Birthday with hot water.

People are being told to wash their hands with soap and water for a maximum of 20 seconds or using sanitiser gel to kill germs.

Meanwhile, Anyone who has returned to the UK from any affected areas in the last 14 days and develops symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath, should immediately stay indoors and void contact with others or call the NHS 111 to inform them of their recent travel.