Speaking to THEMA 104,6 radio station, the Professor of Epidemiology of the University of Athens and President of Prolepsis Institute, Athina Linou, gave answers to questions regarding the Holy Communion.
She admitted that she was faithful and that the coronaviruses are generally transmitted through the air.
Contrary to what other colleagues say, she explained the dangers of transmission and dispersal, and she said that there was no epidemiological study that proved that the disease was transmitted through ingestion of saliva, including the virus itself. She stressed, however, that it was up to the clergy to comply with the measures.
Athina Linou revealed that she had sent twelve instructions to the Holy Synod, among which she proposed that the faithful should avoid kissing the icons and the hands of the priests, they should observe the social distancing measures, and the services should be performed outdoors and everyone should wear a face mask.
As to whether the common spoon is dangerous amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Athina Linou said that it was a matter of doctrine and a decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.