COVID-19: ORANGE phase: February 9^th, 2021 Update

Published: 2021-02-09 a 19h00 | Category: Diocese

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus,

Zone 1 (Moncton region) has moved to the Orange level yesterday at midnight following a decrease in new cases of COVID-19.

Here are the guidelines to follow:

“Faith venues can operate under a COVID-19 operational plan. In-person services are limited to 50 participants, or fewer depending upon the size of the facility, with two metres of physical distancing. Continuous mask wearing is required. No singing is permitted in the assembly.

Other indoor religious observances, funerals, marriage ceremonies, … of more than 25 people are prohibited.

Masks are mandatory in indoor public places. Masks are required in outdoor public spaces when physical distancing of 2 metres cannot be maintained.”

In addition, we must continue with all other sanitary measures that we have been following during the last months.  (It is important to maintain the attendance list with the names and phone numbers of the people attending a particular celebration and to check the names at the entrance so that the list is as complete as possible. These lists must be saved for the Health Department and for our insurances.)

Any celebration or activity outside of the regular Mass is limited to 25 people (this includes, for example, baptisms, funerals, weddings, celebrations of first reconciliation, catechetical activities, prayer groups, any form of gathering).

The circulation of COVID-19 remains worrisome and serious with the arrival of new variants that pose a threat to the control of the pandemic. The NB Department of Health is taking the necessary steps to stop its expansion. We are trying our best to collaborate for the well-being of our congregations. Thank you for your cooperation and support in these troublesome times.

May the Lord bless us and continue to watch over us.

Mgr Valery Vienneau

Archbishop of Moncton

Note from the office of Youth Faith Development regarding Catechetical Gatherings:

All catechetical sessions reverted to virtual gatherings effective January 6, 2021 and shall remain as such until the Chief Medical Officer and the Department of Public Health return our Zone – Zone 1 - back to the Yellow Level Alert.  Please contact your parish catechetical coordinator for information on those gatherings, and the distribution of necessary supplies for the sessions.