Coronavirus, COVID-19: Communion has changed in the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst

Three COVID-19 cases have now been confirmed in Orange, with coronavirus testing underway in Bathurst and other hospitals in Western NSW.

"For now, the host will only be offered to parishioners for communion, with the chalice not being offered for the time being," Catholic Diocese of Bathurst Vicar General Father Paul Devitt said.

READ MORE: Australia's virus testing 'very accurate'

Father Paul said hand shaking practices have also changed now that the coronavirus is spreading further.

"The NSW Health Minister, Mr Brad Hazzard, recommended Aussies stop handshaking to avoid the virus that's sweeping the globe," he said.

"Parishioners who prefer to exchange the sign of peace with a nod and a smile, rather than a handshake, will be respected."

Father Paul said along with the rest of Australia, the diocese was concerned about the spread of COVID-19.

"We will take the advice of our senior health officials and follow the suggested guidelines," he said.

"We'll keep the situation and necessary responses under review."

READ MORE: Free national park entry until end of year

Father Paul said health and safety recommendations during the coronavirus pandemic were made at a diocesan level.

"It is up to the parish priest as to what measures they put into place," he said.

Meanwhile, a Western NSW Local Health District spokeswoman said it was expected that responding to COVID-19 would increase hospital activity across the region.

READ ALSO: Pell wait continues as High Court decides

"Fever clinics have been established at Orange, Bathurst and Dubbo and plans are being activated at all facilities to cater for changes in demand," the spokeswoman said.

In NSW, 92 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus, with a further 1928 cases under investigation.

Globally, more than 127,000 people have been infected with the virus and over 4700 have died.

This weekend's Relay for Life has been cancelled in Orange, the upcoming Lambing Flat Chinese Festival is also canned, but the Bathurst Cycling Classic will still go ahead this weekend.

Group 10 is facing the "real possibility" its season may be impacted by the coronavirus.

Nationally, this weekend's Grand Prix in Melbourne has been cancelled, the AFL is considering its next steps, and Virgin Australia have slashed services.

Check out the other major events that have been dumped or postponed due to coronavirus.

We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.