Parishes in Brooklyn and Queens have been notified that Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has suspended the distribution of the precious blood of Jesus to the faithful because of the severe outbreak of the flu. The suspension will be lifted upon conclusion of the flu season.

The bishop also urged “common sense procedures” be used when attending Mass. For instance, to assure that spreading of influenza be minimized, he suggested that there is no need to physically offer the sign of peace to others in the pews. A simple nod or gesture can suffice.