Last week the CDC issued new mask-wearing and social distancing guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19: “If you’ve been fully vaccinated:
You can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
You can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” per CDC, May 13, 2021
This week, NYS announced that we will follow this guidance. The Diocese of Rochester provided the following guidance for Church seating: “Parishes should make appropriate seating accommodations for the faithful, with the awareness that they include both vaccinated and unvaccinated members…The general seating is to be provided for those who have received the vaccine and therefore are not required to wear a mask or social distance; in addition, some seating should be reserved where ‘social distancing’ is observed. Sections of the church should be referred to as ‘SOCIAL DISTANCING’ and ‘NO SOCIAL DISTANCING,’ so as not to inadvertently create ‘groups’ of people.”
St. Charles Borromeo will designate a section for continued social distancing with masks required and a section for no social distancing with masks not required/optional for those who are fully vaccinated. Please follow the directions of staff and greeters beginning next weekend (May 29/30). All other protocols will remain in place at this time. .
As we move forward, we will keep you informed of changes and adjustments as this is a fluid situation. We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation in these challenging times. Working together with the gift of the Holy Spirit will help us work through these changes.
Fr. John
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