Churches, restaurants take steps to guard…
Churches, restaurants take steps to guard against influenza outbreak
May 3, 2009 at 12:00 a.m.
Whether you believe the H1N1 Influenza outbreak is a genuine cause for concern or nothing more than a frenzy fueled by constant media attention, it has provoked the operators of public gathering places to make some changes. Late last week the Diocese of San Bernardino – which oversees Catholic churches in Riverside and San Bernardino counties – released a list of liturgical guidelines for church officials to follow during services to help safeguard against any potential transmission of the virus. "Throughout the centuries our church has always done this in the face of widespread health concerns and today is no different," Bishop Gerald Barnes said in a statement. "Please pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are also fearing and experiencing the flu outbreak, especially those who have contracted the virus." The diocese has asked parishioners to not hold or shake hands during ceremonies. Church officials who administer communion are being reminded to wash their hands before beginning and to place it in the hands of parishioners rather than their tongues. Once the H1N1 Influenza crisis ends church ceremonies will return to normal, diocese Chancellor Theresa D. Montminy said in a statement. "This is something that's being done to protect us," said Lynette Tunin, who attended Sunday services at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino. "It's good. The church is just being responsible and being cautious, like we all should be right now." Imam Shamshad, leader of Islam Ahmadiyya Movement, a mosque in Chino Hills, said no changes have been made to religious ceremonies, but he's encouraging his members to take precautions. "Muslims don't make any changes in the environment of God," he said. "But I teach our members to abide by the rules of the county and government and we encourage our people to use the safeguarding measures health officials advise." Businesses across the Inland Empire are taking additional safety precautions and doing what they can to combat the spread of H1N1. "We're doing extra cleaning and making sure to wipe down equipment more than usual," said Brian Sullivan, assistant manager the Bally Total Fitness health club in San Bernardino. "Sanitation is our biggest priority." In addition, any gym members who exhibit flu-like symptoms are being politely asked to leave for the safety of others, Sullivan said. Don Marcos Mexican Restaurant and Cantina in Rancho Cucamonga is gearing up for its Cinco De Mayo specials on Tuesday and is expecting a big crowd.General Manager Juan De La O said the restaurant has taken special precautions since news of the H1N1 outbreak spread. "Ever since day one we were focused on this and making our staff aware," De La O said. Restaurant staff are required to wash their hands every 20 minutes and have been given hand sanitizer to carry with them, he said. The entire staff is also on the lookout for employees or patrons who appear to be sick. Anyone in the restaurant who appears sick will be asked to leave, De La O said. "We don't want to offend our guests, but everyone's safety is our priority," De La O said. "Fortunately we haven't had a moment like that were we had to take action." michael.sorba@inlandnewspapers.com