Catholic Diocese easing COVID restrictions
The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh will take preliminary steps to ease COVID restrictions in schools and parishes.
Beginning in parishes Feb. 26, and in diocesan elementary and high schools on Feb. 28, masks will not be required, except in limited circumstances.
“For more than two years, the leaders in our parishes and schools have worked diligently to protect themselves, each other, and our community from COVID-19,” said Bishop David Zubik. “We have learned to create safe environments and to quickly adapt when outbreaks require us to exercise greater caution. We thank God that local infections have dropped and pray that our anticipated adjustments will be the first of many steps toward resuming ways of worship and learning that we have all missed so much.”
Effective for parishes on Feb. 26:
- Priests, deacons and liturgical ministers in the sanctuary as well as ushers and greeters will no longer be obligated to wear masks at Mass.
- Parishioners will again be invited to share the Sign of Peace.
- Laity can present the gifts of bread and wine used for consecration.
- The distribution of Precious Blood from the cup remains suspended at this time.
- All parish events outside of Mass may be held in person. Livestream options for Mass and activities will continue for those who are unable to attend in person.
Effective for schools on Feb. 28, masks will no longer be required. However, masking will continue on school buses, as required by federal law. Masks will also be required for anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for five days after their return to work or school.
The number of new cases of COVID has been steadily dropping in our area, and positive cases have declined in diocesan parishes and schools. Waiting until the end of February to implement these changes allows time for cases to decline further, for hospital staffing levels to improve, and for more people to receive vaccinations.
As always, if the number of positive cases surges in a specific county – or within a specific parish or school – mitigation measures, including mandatory masking, may be reinstated.
Zubik urged everyone who is eligible to get COVID vaccines and booster shots.
“Getting vaccinated is a sign of our concern for our neighbors. It should be done out of love for our Lord who told us to care for the health of others,” Zubik said.