Bishop Lucinda Ashby released the following statement this week regarding COVID-19 protocols. For more information, visit the COVID resources page.
Dear People of El Camino Real,
As we progress along the path to recovery from the pandemic, there are predictable setbacks. Of late, counties in our state are re-mandating masks indoors and evaluating protocols. Our COVID protocols set on June 15 remain in place, as they are within current guidelines and suggestions. The only change is the restrictive directive about working with children. The current protocols are as follows:
Gathering:
Indoors and outdoors permitted. Outdoors preferred.
Social distancing:
Maintain reasonable distance, especially indoors= 6′ preferred.
Masks:
Mandated indoors, suggested outdoors.
Eucharist:
Bread only. Distribution with gloves or tongs preferred.
Hand sanitizer:
Always
Singing:
Choir at 12′ distance without masks. Soft congregational singing, indoors behind masks.
Fellowship:
Minimal food, coffee, with appropriate COVID handling of food. Gloves for those distributing food is preferred.
Children:
Any person, volunteer or employee, working with children must offer proof of vaccination. Masks must be worn at all times and all protocols carefully followed-hand sanitizer, distancing, outdoors as possible.
Our goal is to be mindful and caring of those at risk; who that is may shift depending on research, vaccination, and individual health concerns. We will maintain a measured approach and hold to these COVID protocols through the summer in our diocese unless we need to become more restrictive. We are grateful for the efforts of many who continue to adapt and find new and creative ways to be inclusive and tend to the various needs of those who gather in-person and online.
Faithfully,
+Lucinda
