Hold the chalice.

Growing concerns over the spread of flu and the coronavirus forced the Catholic Diocese of Greensburg to rethink its decision regarding restrictions at religious services such as Mass.

On Thursday, Bishop Edward C. Malesic announced that he has suspended the distribution of wine during communion and will temporarily halt handshakes and physical contact during the exchange of the Sign of the Peace.

Bishop David Zubik announced similar restrictions on Monday in the Pittsburgh diocese.

On Monday, the Greensburg diocese said it was leaving the decision of “suspending distribution of Holy Communion from the chalice up to the pastor.”

A diocese spokesman noted its stance changed “following the advice of regional health care officials regarding concerns primarily over the flu, but also amid new concerns over the coronavirus.”

In addition, ushers and greeters at parishes throughout the four-county Greensburg diocese are asked to “minimize contact on public service areas.”

Priests are reminded to wash their hands before Mass and use an alcohol-based antibacterial solution before and after distributing Holy Communion. Holy water fonts should continued to be drained and cleaned weekly, the diocese said.

In a letter from Vicar General Monsignor Larry J. Kulick, priests were told to remind parishioners: “If you are sick, you are not obligated to attend Mass.”

The diocese said it will continue to monitor flu and coronavirus developments and take further action as necessary based on the guidance of national and local health agencies.

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