COVID-19 UPDATE
Further to the Government announcement on Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 regarding Covid-19 restrictions, clarification has now been received from the Department of the Taoiseach concerning religious services as follows:-
“Religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place. This is a very positive measure, however it is imperative that all other Covid-19 protective measures remain in place in order to protect all members of our communities/congregations.
Premises should be well ventilated, hand sanitiser should be provided. Places of Worship should continue to use separate entry and exit routes and face masks should be worn. Congregations should be encouraged to spread out as much as possible when attending Places of Worship and those experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms should be discouraged from attending.
As the capacity of Places of Worship and numbers attending varies greatly, the onus will be on each Place of Worship and community to consider what they are comfortable with and what best suits their congregation. This will be particularly relevant for funerals/special ceremonies, with large congregations in attendance. Attendees on these occasions should not be permitted to stand in the aisles or doorways and hand shaking and the use of condolence books/sharing of Booklets etc. should continue to be avoided.
Choirs or soloists performing in Places of Worship should be limited in line with the size/capacity of the venue and should adhere to 2 metre social distance from other singers, the choir master, the congregation and any other individuals in the setting (as they will not be wearing face masks during performances).
The HSE Covid-19 Guidance for Places of Worship is currently being revised and we will forward the relevant link as soon as it is available.”
October 22nd, 2021
October 21st, 2021 Covid up-date
As and from Friday, October 22nd, 2021 religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place.
We remind people who will be attending religious services or who will be attending any of our churches within the Diocese that they must continue to wear face masks, sanitise their hands on entry to and exit from the church, and maintain adequate social distancing whenever appropriate.
Please continue to follow all of the public health guidance in relation to Covid-19 so as to reduce the spread of the virus.
Diocesan Covid Support Team
October 21st, 2021