Social distancing

• A parish is to review first the specific plan for its county before making changes in social
  distancing.
• If a county allows for 100% occupancy without any requirement of social distancing, a parish
  may provide section(s) for 3 ft. distance and section(s) for 6 ft. This will allow parishioners to
  choose the section that satisfies their concern for safety.
  • The parish is to determine the size of the sections—3 ft. and 6 ft.—according to the needs of
    parishioners. If more parishioners decide to sit in the 6 ft. section, then obviously more space
    needs to be allocated for them. Conversely, if most sit in the 3 ft. section, then that section will
    accommodate their choice. Clearly, this seating arrangement will need to be monitored and
    changes made depending on comfort level along with the transmission rate of the virus, the
    percentage of vaccinations, and other factors.
    
  • Moving to 3 ft. while providing a 6 ft. section should provide a marked and welcome increase
    in attendance capacity.
• If a county allows for 100% occupancy “with social distancing requirements” or “according to
  the CDC guidelines,” consult with the county on what this specifically means. If no definition
  is given, then a parish can proceed to implement #2 above. However, if a county states the
  requirements as the current 6 ft., then the parish follows this measure.

Masks

• When the presider speaks at the chair, when at the ambo, and when at the altar, he may choose to take his mask off at these moments.
• The same applies to deacons, lectors, and others when speaking from the ambo or podium.
• Care must be taken for sanitation. At the altar, if the presider removes his mask, the elements for
• Eucharist should be covered with a pall.
• At all other times, masks are to be worn at Mass.

Contact tracing

• Each parish is to determine the method for informing people of possible exposure to the Coronavirus
• that best suits its situation and its ability to communicate this information in an effective manner.

Sanitation and ventilation

• There are no changes in our current provisions for sanitation and ventilation in our worship spaces.