The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) released a statement urging each diocese or archdiocese to adopt preventative measures to avoid potential contagion of the novel coronavirus during masses and celebrations. The CNBB's guidance is that each episcopal region should organize itself according to the specific needs of that location.

In Belo Horizonte, the Archdiocese released a list of measures such as: avoiding the sign of peace (a hug), not holding hands during the Lord's Prayer, and receiving Communion in the hand and not directly in the mouth. See the full statement signed by Dom Walmor Oliveira de Azevedo:

“"The Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte, in communion with the Church throughout the world, is always committed to the defense of life and the well-being of each person. Life is a precious gift from God, and therefore must be preserved and promoted in all its stages, from conception to decline, with natural death. For this very reason, the Church unites with those who today seek to combat the spread of the coronavirus, a threat to health, especially for the elderly and sick.".

Our guidance to the People of God is that, during Mass, instead of the sign of peace, they should seek to further strengthen the sincere feeling of goodwill towards their neighbor. In the Lord's Prayer, instead of joining hands, the commitment to fraternal communion should be cultivated with greater intensity. To our brother priests, we ask that they guide the faithful to receive Holy Communion in their hands, welcoming Christ while praying for their sick brother or sister.

These simple actions, in the context of our celebrations, are very significant at this time when we need to come together to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

May God greatly bless us in this mission, through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Piety – Patroness of Minas Gerais.”