CATHOLIC priests in parts of Bournemouth and Poole are being told not to offer wine during communion to help halt the spread of swine flu.

The Diocese of Plymouth which also includes Catholic churches in Devon and Cornwall, said it took the step after the World Health Organisation upgraded the status of the outbreak.

Priests in Bournemouth and Poole, however, say they believe that the risk to people is low and that it was merely a “prudent” decision.

Father Jude McHugo of Christ the King church in Kinson, said that priests would still offer bread into people’s hands but not the chalice.

He said: “It is simply to safeguard people against infection. It has not affected the numbers of people coming to mass or holy communion in the slightest.”

Father Peter Webb of Our Lady of Fatima in Upper Parkstone said: “The Bishop has spoken about prudence. We need to be responsible for one another during swine flu.”

However Father Anthony Pennicott of the Sacred Heart Church in Richmond Hill, part of the Diocese of Portsmouth, said people could simply choose for themselves whether they wanted to risk receiving the chalice.

“Most people think that Plymouth (Diocese) has over-reacted. We will monitor the situation to see if it gets any worse. Each individual could follow these guidelines without any guidance from the bishop,” he said.

GP Dr Tom McKinstry chairman of East Dorset division of the British Medical Association, praised the Diocese’s decision but added: “This should apply during any flu outbreak – not just swine flu. I would say people who have got infectious colds shouldn’t be going to church but should stay at home.”