The Catholic Church in South Sudan and specifically in Juba has not ban shaking of hands as a sign of peace during Eucharistic Celebrations, says Fr. Jacob Odwa, Secretary General of Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference.
Speaking to AMECEA Online News from Juba, Fr. Odwa said that the Church has not stopped its members from shaking hands at Mass and does not intend to do so. On October 16, 2014 the South Sudanese government issued a precautionary warning to parliamentarians, advising against shaking hands, saying the decision is part of measures aimed at minimizing the threat of contracting Ebola.
So far according to Fr. Odwa, there have been no known cases of Ebola outbreak in South Sudan to warrant taking such precautionary measures. “People have continued shaking hands in the houses and everywhere else here in Juba despite the announcement that came through the radio stations,” he said.
The South Sudanese Information and Broadcasting Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said the cabinet had resolved that people should not shake hands as part of ramped up efforts being introduced in South Sudan.
The decision was taken at its ordinary meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir on Tuesday 14thOctober.
In a statement broadcast by the state-owned South Sudan Television (SSTV) following the meeting, Lueth also announced additional screening measures for travelers to and from West Africa, where an Ebola epidemic is sweeping several nations
“It is advised people should avoid shaking hands. People should just wave or say hi instead of shaking hands,” the minister said, explaining that it is now time to take appropriate security precautions in line with the gravity of the threat.
Ebola is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual, but is only contagious after a patient starts showing symptoms.
Source: Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Social Communications and Catholic Radio Network