Update on COVID restrictions for parishes
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Archbishop O’Regan today released an update on COVID-19 restrictions for worshippers attending church services in South Australia.
This follows the announcement yesterday by Premier Steven Marshall that a number of restrictions would be reintroduced and reassessed after seven days.
The capacity requirements for attending church have been changed to one person per two square metres, and events such as weddings and funerals are limited to 150 people.
The Archbishop suggested that parishes and communities return to “very small choirs”, as congregational singing is no longer permitted. The members of performing choirs are advised to remain more than 1.5 metres apart. Masks are not needed in church, as long as the capacity requirements are met.
Holy Communion must only be received via the hands, rather than placed directly onto the tongue. Gatherings after Mass for tea or coffee may continue as previous provided that good hygiene and physical distancing is maintained.
Archbishop O’Regan also provided the following advice:
- Parishes must take the appropriate steps to maintain 1.5m physical distancing
- People must practice good hygiene, such as hand sanitisation and regular cleaning of surfaces
- Worshippers are discouraged from congregating around entrances and exits
- QR code scans and/or a collection of contact details is still required at Masses and gatherings
- A COVID Safe Plan is required (new plans to be emailed by the Government)
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