Guidelines for Parish Safety Plans in Light of Recent Developments
I. A Changing Environment Recent developments regarding COVID-19 have changed the nature of the pandemic. These developments include, among others:
• New research which more precisely identifies the nature of the coronavirus and how it is spread.
• The more universal availability of effective vaccines • Declining infection and hospitalization rates
• More effective treatment for those who contract COVID-19
• A more relaxed regulatory environment in most communities throughout the United States and Alaska, including Anchorage, Juneau, and other cities and villages.
II.
New Recommendations In light of these recent developments, the following guidance is in effect throughout the Archdiocese until the risk is declared negligible by competent authority:
1. Pastors and administrators are to continue those practices within the parish which exercise reasonable, responsible and defensible caution in order to avoid the unwitting spread and resurgence of the virus.
2. In general:
• It is not necessary to submit updated mitigation plans to the Archdiocese for approval, but the updated mitigation plans are to be sent to the Chancellor, John Harmon, as soon as possible to be filed for future reference. (The Archdiocese has maintained an extensive file on each parish concerning mitigation plans which will be helpful in any future pandemic.) Each parish must maintain a written, reasonable plan on the premises available to the public which outlines mitigation practices currently in use. Pastors are to update mitigation plans on a regular basis and remain in compliance with CDC guidelines.
• Pastors are to encourage all in the parish to be vaccinated.
• Pastors are reminded that their mitigation plans and practices may be stricter than the municipal code and Archdiocesan recommendations, but not less strict.
3. Specifically, each parish is to:
• Obey all state and local mandates, including mask mandates.
• Strongly encourage the wearing of masks in liturgical and non-liturgical parish gatherings.
• Provide hand sanitization stations at the entrances of all buildings, in the sanctuary, and anywhere else where items might be touched by more than one person in a short period of time, such as food lines, etc. • Encourage reasonable social distancing between bubbles.
• Follow current CDC guidelines.
• Continue to sanitize high-use areas in accord with local, state and CDC guidelines, certainly after high-use periods, and especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Maintain distribution of communion under the species of bread only.
• Continue livestreaming liturgies, meetings, and other parish events so that those who are unable or uncomfortable attending in person may do so virtually.
• Refrain from congregation singing.
• Continue the distribution of Holy Communion after Mass, and outside when possible, for those who watch a livestreamed or broadcast liturgy.
• When possible and weather permitting, parish social gatherings such as barbecues, potlucks, tail gates etc. should be held out of doors.
• At gatherings with food, portions should be plated by designated individuals (no buffet style meals.) Masks should be worn around food, except when eating, so as to avoid droplets falling on the food (particularly in a receiving line). As an alternative, individual portions may be pre-plated and served at table.
III.
In Sum While the developments regarding COVID-19 are encouraging, parishes are to continue to maintain reasonable vigilance to prevent the spread of disease, taking into account the unique characteristics of their facilities and their parishioners. Consultation with the parish pastoral council, the parish liturgy committee and other relevant consultative bodies is essential to developing a reasonable, responsible and defensible standard of care.