MANILA - The Archdiocese of Manila lifted on Friday a ban on holding of hands during Mass that was imposed two months ago to prevent the spread of Influenza A (H1N1).

Fr. Genardo Diwa, who heads the liturgy ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila, said church-goers are now allowed again to receive the Holy Communion by mouth.

"[Manila Archbishop Gaudencio] Rosales has now instructed that Holy Communion by the mouth be allowed, which means that the Communicants may now receive the Holy Communion either by mouth or by hand," he said.

A copy of the circular dated July 23 was posted on the Manila Archdiocese web site (www.rcam.org) Thursday.

But Rosales reminded Church ministers to continue practicing proper hygiene, including washing hands before and after Mass.

"While there remain cases of the disease and its total containment has not been reached, the Department of Health has said the disease is of a mild form and that proper precautions lessen its spread," Fr. Diwa said.

"He (Cardinal Rosales) likewise exhorts the faithful to observe all the practices recommended by health authorities to prevent the acquisition and spread of the disease," he added.

Last June, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said it would encourage social distancing during Mass, including a ban on holding hands and kissing on the cheek to prevent the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. The CBCP said it also plans to ask devotees to refrain from kissing religious statues.

CBCP spokesman Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, however, noted that it will still be up to every diocese to undertake the necessary precautions to avert the spread of the flu virus.

The Department of Health has recorded a total of 3,207 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) as of August 7.