MANILA, Philippines—Some Catholic church leaders are thinking of temporarily banning the holding of hands during Masses and the kissing or touching of venerated statues as a precaution against spreading the Influenza A(H1N1) virus or swine flu.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has not issued a nationwide advisory about changes in Sunday services since there is no widespread outbreak, said spokesperson Msgr. Pedro Quitorio.

“We leave it to the dioceses to take precautionary measures steps,” Quitorio added.

Fr. Genardo Diwa, head of Manila Archdiocese’s Ministry on Liturgical Affairs, said they may discourage the holding of hands during Mass as well as the kissing or touching of the images of saints and other objects of veneration to prevent any unwarranted transmission of the flu virus.

The Department of Health on Thursday reported that a 10-year old Filipino girl who had traveled to the US and Canada was found positive for the novel flu virus, making her the country’s first confirmed A(H1N1) case.

The DOH has advised all Filipinos to take precautionary measures like frequent washing of hands and “social distancing,” such as avoiding handshakes and social kissing.

On Church services, Quitorio said, joining hands while singing or reciting the Lord’s Prayer during the Mass is not officially prescribed by the Church.

Quitorio said even without the threat of the Influenza A(H1N1), the practice is not required.