The Diocese of Baton Rouge is beginning to implement some temporary changes to Catholic masses out of concern for the coronavirus.
Bishop Michael Gerard Duca announced Thursday that the diocese will not offer the communal cup during the sacrament of Holy Communion but parishioners will still receive the Eucharist from priests or lay ministers.
Officials with the diocese say parishioners will also be asked to refrain from touching each other's hands during the mass.
Bishop Duca told reporters the changes are out of caution to minimize the possible transmission of diseases and assures that they are temporary.
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state.
Meanwhile, Southern University is planning an information session for the public on the coronavirus.
Officials say the session will feature updates from Dr. Dawn Marcelle of the Louisiana Department of Health's Office of Public Health and will require registration to attend.
The event is scheduled for 12 p.m. on March 10th at the Valdry Center for Philanthropy located Harding Boulevard.