Covid-19 restrictions relaxed at RC churches

The Archdiocese of Port of Spain’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Team has issued March 16, 2023, guidelines for the relaxation of some Covid-19 restrictions as the local Church nears the celebration of some major feasts.

Bulletin #29 stated that “after careful consideration”, the Archdiocese has decided to relax or modify certain restrictions that were introduced with the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

The HSE Team said they consider it “timely” to make the following adjustments to its Covid guidelines for Easter, Pentecost and Corpus Christi.

It said that the wearing of masks at Church Services is “entirely” up to the discretion of those in attendance.

Whereas the Sign of Peace was restricted to a bow of the head or a wave of the hand, it will now be “permissible” to “bounce” fists or elbows with those within reach. The HSE suggested a smile, or a wave of the hand will continue to “suffice” where others cannot be physically reached.

For the celebration of this year’s Chrism Mass on April 3, the Offertory Procession during the Liturgy will be permitted.

The HSE stipulated that the rite for the Washing of Feet during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), is left to the discretion of the priest as to whether it will be included or omitted. If it is included, the HSE said, the priest is not “obligated” to kiss the feet of the penitents.

Placing holy water in the built-in receptacles at the entrances of the church will resume after the Mass on Glorious Saturday (April 8). The HSE highlighted it is important that the receptacles be cleaned at regular intervals to ensure that the water in them is clean. A sponge, the HSE suggested, might be “an efficient means” of emptying the water from the receptacles before re-filling them with clean water.

Overall, the HSE encouraged all to observe health guidelines such as washing hands frequently and staying at home if displaying flu-like symptoms.

The HSE Team said they will continue to review its Covid-19 guidelines on an “ongoing basis” to relax or modify them where considered safe and appropriate to so do.

“Our aim is to return to pre-pandemic days where it is possible to do so without putting those who enter our buildings to unnecessary risk,” the bulletin said.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PORT OF SPAIN ARE AVAILABLE AT catholictt.org CLICK HERE