August 9, 2021: COVID-19 Update (Update #20) from Bishop Fabbro
Letter from Bishop Fabbro
The recent addendum was written “in light of the increasing rate of vaccinations, relaxed provincial anti-COVID restrictions and greater scientific knowledge concerning COVID-19” with a view to “safely reduce the necessity for full pandemic safety measures”. It cannot be stated enough, though, that the protocols issued earlier, unless otherwise changed herein, remain in
Bishop Fabbro, Covid-19 Update, #20
effect. To keep people safe, we must be responsible to follow all the protocols that we have been given. This is no time for self-interpretation or premature relaxation.
Here is a brief summary of the update from the Diocese of London. Please click on the Letter (above) for the full update:
- The Importance of Getting Vaccinated
- Aerosol Transmission
- continue wearing masks;
- ventilate the air in buildings frequently as effectively as possible; and
- maintain reduced numbers of people in contained spaces through physical distancing.
- no changes are to be made to the setup in our churches, since physical distance remains mandatory.
- With relaxed restrictions, the following changes may be implemented immediately:
- Changes that Affect our Church Spaces
- Changes that Affect our Celebrations
- The Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance
- With easier access to churches, the permission for General Absolution is hereby withdrawn immediately
- The Sunday Obligation
- the dispensation from the Sunday obligation will continue until the end of the liturgical year, that is 27 November 2021. As before, we will continue to monitor the situation.
- Concluding Note
“We have much to be grateful for in our country, with the benefits of our health care services and the availability of the COVID vaccine. Many countries do not enjoy these benefits. We are grateful for all who continue to put themselves at the service of others to care for the sick and to mitigate the effects of the pandemic in all its manifestations. As we see the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel”, let us remain steadfast in our care for others – especially the most vulnerable – and for our families and ourselves.”
Bishop Fabbro, Covid-19 Update, #20