Update from the archdiocese - on Covid-19 restrictions

HEALTH AND GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS UPDATE (COVID-19)

Here is the latest update from the archdiocese, as pertains to what we are able to do here in this parish.

TO THE PASTORS AND PEOPLE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE

In light of the Premier's announcement to ease restrictions from 16 May and in consultation with local government and the Episcopal Council, we have taken the decision to implement the following protocols for churches and services in the Archdiocese of Brisbane.

These protocols will be in effect through to 12 June 2020 and are subject to change with any ongoing amendments to Queensland Health guidelines.

Protocols that remain in place:

·        The celebration of Mass continues to be suspended at this time.

·        Priests will continue to celebrate Mass (the Mass for the people) on Sundays without a congregation, with people able to follow Masses live-streamed from their parish or from the Cathedral on Sundays and weekdays.

·        No one is to enter a church, parish building or Archdiocesan workplace if feeling ill.

Updates to existing protocols from 11:59 pm on 15 May (note that in all cases, the rules of one person per 4 square metres, 1.5 metres between people, and hygiene protocols remain paramount, they are an individual and collective responsibility):

·        The limit for the Masses for the people will increase to no more than 10 people in attendance, which includes the camera operator if live-streaming. 

·        Funerals may be conducted with a maximum capacity of up to 20 people indoors and 30 people outdoors.

·        Weddings may be conducted with a maximum capacity of up to 10 people.

·        Baptisms have a maximum capacity of up to 10 people.

·        (From Surfers Parish - Please note that the following section is not being implemented here at this stage as logistics prevent it. We will seek to implement the following stage at a later time when a greater number of people are able to gather). Churches, which are in a position to do so, are allowed to open for private prayer for up to 10 people at one time during specific hours as determined by each parish, with the requirement for visitors to sanitise upon entry and exit. 

o   Occupancy of the space will need to be monitored at all times by a designated marshal, who is not over 70 years of age.

o   The designated marshal is required to record in writing the name, phone number and time of visit for each visitor as protection to assist with contact tracing if necessary.

o   Work Health and Safety will provide cleaning protocols however, it is the responsibility of each parish to provide cleaning supplies.

o   It is understood that not all parishes will have the capacity to maintain ongoing monitoring or hygiene protocols for private prayer at this time.  

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Ken Howell

Auxiliary Bishop

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A further note, from Fr Paul: 

As you know, the Federal Government recently announced the beginning of easing of restrictions from the 15th May 2020. This is following a three-step plan, of which step one is presently being activated.

It is important to note that this three-step plan is dependent on there not being any major flare-ups of cases, and in the event of such unfortunate possibility, these steps may be delayed or even possibly reversed partially or fully.

However, we are hopeful that things progress as planned. Another important point is to note that even at stage three, the number of people able to gather inside for a church gathering will be 100, which is still well below the numbers we regularly have on weekends. Stages one and two are even less than this, at 10 and 20 people plus social distancing.

Given this, we are presently assuming that we may be one of the later groups to be able to resume our normal schedules and possibly no earlier than June/July at best. This may change, but we do want to caution against any jumping to conclusions. Our Churches really fit into a different category from the three proposed. It is almost as if there is needed a stage FOUR, which has yet to be officially proposed.

We understand the desire of everyone to return to the Masses and sacraments, but we continue to cooperate with the policies developed to ensure the health and wellbeing of everyone.

Presently, the Queensland Government has announced the implementation of step one. There will be an easing of restrictions from 11:59 pm on the 15th May which will allow for gatherings of up to 10 people for weddings, places of worship and religious ceremonies. Funerals will be increased to a maximum capacity of 20 people indoors and 30 people outdoors.

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