The Catholic Church has asked priests to find an alternative to collection baskets as fears grow over coronavirus.
Holy water fonts had already been emptied for hygiene safety but no measures were put in place regarding the money baskets that are handled by the congregation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Irish Catholic Bishops said: "Priests are asked to provide an alternative to the practice of passing collection baskets through the congregation.
"The faithful are asked to continue their generous contributions to the upkeep of their parish."
They added: "As people of faith we are called to face the fears of this moment with a courage not our own and with a generous heart.
"As bishops we present the following directions in the light of current public health authority advice in Ireland, north and south, aware that these might have to change at very short notice.
"While acknowledging that the following directives will involve sacrifice for all, we encourage a positive engagement in order that the most vulnerable amongst us can be protected and so that the coronavirus can be contained."
Other measures include banning handshakes for the sign of peace, hand sanitisers being provided at all churches, holy water fonts remaining empty and Eucharistic Ministers and priests sanitising their hands before and after Communion.
