UPDATE: Michigan hospitals, churches take precautions against coronavirus

LANSING, MI (WILX) -- McLaren Greater Lansing is taking the threat of the coronavirus seriously.

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The hospital has a plan in place in case a patient contracts the virus.

The person would be isolated and tested further. There's a floor in the hospital that's currently empty that would be used to care for possible coronavirus patients.

"It's meant to be just a vigilant way to make sure until we know everything there is to know about the virus, or as much can be gained, that you want to overstep and be overly precautious than under. With the transmission around the state of Michigan, it's not a matter of if, but when there will be a case, so we want to do what we can," said Dr. Chris Farnum, director of infectious disease and prevention.

Dr. Farnum said the hospital is used to seeing patients who have respiratory diseases that can be easily spread.

Northern Michigan is also taking precautions against the virus.

The priest at Immaculate Conception in Traverse City announced the church will not be offering wine during communion.

The concern is that everyone drinks out of the same cup.

The church is also asking people not to shake hands when offering the sign of peace.

"So I thought might as well be proactive. I'd rather be overcautious and have people have a sense that we're looking out for them and we're doing our best," Reverend Anthony Citro said.

Father Anthony said they are also considering making changes to the holy water which people dip their fingers into to bless themselves before and after mass.

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