(From Father Kevin, Tuesday, May 25, 2021)
We have received the following guidance/information from the Diocese and are happy to share the following;
It seems we are near the end of this pandemic as the total number of new cases in Virginia was only 236 – down from a height of 10,000 in January. Because of these significant improvements, the Commonwealth is lifting nearly all of it guidelines on May 28th.
Executive Order (EO) 79 provides guidelines on masks in accordance with the CDC’s recent modification for those who are vaccinated. The Executive Order also terminates EO 72 (7th amendment), which had extensive guidelines for various sectors. The termination of EO 72 effectively eliminates social distancing and occupancy restrictions.
In response to these significant changes, Bishop Burbidge is lifting various guidelines enacted across the Diocese effective May 28. The changes are as follows:
At this time, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday/Holy Days remains in effect. Further announcements regarding this matter will be conveyed in the near future.
Schools continue to operate on a separate set of guidelines. For example: All students, teachers, staff, and visitors must wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on school property subject (EO 79).
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