Catholic swine flu sufferers told to stay home

Adelaide, Australia - CATHOLIC priests have been ordered to stop offering their congregations communion wine in South Australia because of swine flu fears.

Adelaide's Catholic Archbishop Philip Wilson said the edict was a result of the rise in number of swine flu cases in the state.

Archbishop Wilson said he had ordered Holy communion only to be distributed through the consecrated host, and not by the consecrated wine in the chalice.

"I have decided to take this action to limit the risk of cross-infection during the current situation," he said.

Archbishop Wilson also called for anyone with flu-like symptoms to stay away from mass.

SA has 65 confirmed cases of swine flu.