CHURCHES across Wales are being advised to ban the common cup during Holy Communion to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

The Diocese of St Asaph has shared the guidance issued by the Church in Wales' Bench of Bishops.

The update - issued on March 13 - covers refreshments after the service and the circulation of a collection plate.

The guidance states: "All involved in the administration of communion should wash their hands carefully and should use hand sanitiser immediately before the Preparation of the Table and Eucharistic Prayer.

"The sharing of the common cup at the Eucharist should cease.

"The physical sharing of the peace should be replaced with a non-contact greeting (which might include the British sign language for 'Peace be to you' or the namaste gesture) and Blessings offered at the Communion rail should not include touching the head or body of the person presenting themselves for blessing."

Other guidance includes no food or refreshments in bowls, on trays or from shared packets after services.

Churches can continue to serve tea and coffee after services, providing cups are kept separate and are washed thoroughly after use.

The collection plate at church will not be circulated around congregations.

Other methods are being advised, which do not require the circulation.

Parishioners are being advised that should they exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms, they should refrain from church attendance while those symptoms persist.

Clergy who exhibit any symptoms - a persistent and regular cough, fever, symptoms of a cold - should cease from parish visiting, and the conduct of public worship.