If the person who hears the news is subject to ritual impurity (if there is a requirement for a purification bath), they must definitely take a bath. Whoever is the primary ritual performer (Kartha) must meet them in person and offer condolences within ten days, followed by a bath. There is a custom of taking a bath even when inquiring from out of town over the telephone. It is sufficient to take a bath once during the first inquiry; a second bath is not needed when speaking a second time. Generally, people inquire in the morning before their daily bath and then take the bath afterwards.