Toronto archdiocese updates COVID protocols

The Archdiocese of Toronto, recognizing the contagiousness of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, has issued new guidelines to parishes to help stem its spread.

In a letter to clergy and staff of the archdiocese, Cardinal Thomas Collins said “it would be prudent” for parishes, wherever possible, to reduce the number of additional sacramental celebrations until the end of February. The cardinal notes there has been a significant increase in positive cases among clergy and staff, and has asked parishes to consider postponing First Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmations over that period.

Collins says parishes can also limit times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation or schedule confessions by appointment to minimize close contact with others.

The province has also clarified regulations over indoor meetings. Meetings of an essential nature (food bank, Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous, etc.) are limited to 10, not five as previously communicated, though any other indoor meeting still has a five-person threshold. The archdiocese recommends virtual meetings should take place wherever possible.

“Thank you once again for your due diligence in making every effort to safely serve the community during these challenging days,” said Collins. “May the new year be filled with good health and an abundance of blessings.”