As the holidays approach, the pandemic is worsening; A Catholic doctor explains what we need to do to stay safe

CORONAVIRUS

Dr. Thomas W. McGovernNovember 13, 2020Two girls wearing face masks pray during a Sept. 26, 2020, Mass at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes, Del. (CNS photo/Chaz Muth)

Nearly six months have passed since most American parishes have reopened and Catholics havereturned to massafter pandemic-related closures. What have we learned about the safety of attending Mass and other parish-related functions? How is the situation different now in the fall of this longest of years, 2020, and what should we do in light of those differences?

Catholics believe that Mass is essential, and we have demonstrated that it can becelebrated safely, even in the midst of a respiratory virus pandemic. By following simple public health recommendations regarding masking, distancing and hand-washing, we are keeping our parishes open and providing no reason for public health or other governmental authorities to close our churches.

Consider…