Updated COVID-19 protocols (Jan. 10, 2022)
FROM: Bishop Bruce Myers
Some elucidations have been received from Quebec’s public health authorities concerning the provincial government’s announcement on December 30 concerning COVID-19 restrictions for places of worship. Below is a summary of how they apply to churches in the Diocese of Quebec.
INDOOR SERVICES: In-person worship services held inside church buildings remain suspended until further notice. However, a small number of people is permitted inside a church building for the purposes of broadcasting or recording a liturgy, including a soloist but not a choir. Some exceptions have also been made for funerals, which are outlined below.
OUTDOOR SERVICES: Worship services may be held outdoors, so long as all participants are wearing masks and remain at least one metre apart. A maximum of 250 is permitted.
FUNERALS: If held indoors, a maximum of 25 people may attend a funeral, not including clergy, volunteers, or funeral home personnel. If next of kin are receiving condolences before the funeral, a maximum of 25 people is permitted in the church building at any given time. Vaccination passports are not required, but masks must be worn at all times and physical distancing observed. If held outdoors, a maximum of 250 may attend a funeral, but masks must be worn and a distance of at least one metre must be maintained between those attending.
WEDDINGS: Weddings should be postponed until indoor worship services may resume.
CURFEW: Emergency pastoral visits by licensed clergy and lay readers are permitted during curfew, so long as the individual making the emergency visit carries authorization that can be shown to law enforcement officers. If you require such a letter, please contact me directly at bmyers@quebec.anglican.ca.
ONLINE HOME PRAYERS: Home Prayers will continue to be offered on the diocesan Facebook page (@AnglicanQuebec) and over the telephone, returning during this lockdown period to 10:30 a.m. EST on Sundays.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to be in touch with me or Archdeacon Edward Simonton.
