Despite move to Phase 3, archbishop urges caution

By Peter Finney Jr.
Clarion Herald

In a Sept. 11 memo to priests and deacons of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Archbishop Gregory Aymond continued to urge caution in establishing a safe environment for Catholics who attend Mass even though most of the state has moved into less restrictive Phase 3 guidelines for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Sept. 11 that the state was moving to Phase 3 of its public health safety rules. The new guidelines allow a church to use 75% of its seating capacity for Mass but maintains the requirement for social distancing – people spaced at least 6 feet apart – and for worshipers to wear face coverings.

The archbishop noted, however, that the new guidelines do not apply to churches in the City of New Orleans, which Mayor LaToya Cantrell has ordered to remain in more restrictive Phase 2 rules for an undetermined period. 

Thirty-six of the archdiocese’s 119 parishes and mission churches are located in Orleans Parish.

“The pandemic is not over,” Archbishop Aymond said in his memo to priests and deacons. “We must be careful to observe the restrictions that will remain in Phase 3. Masks and social distancing are important.”

In his memo, Archbishop Aymond emphasized that it was important to remain vigilant with social distancing and facemasks so that the state’s recovery plan can succeed “and not go backwards.”

The archbishop said that while Gov. Edwards is trying to make a balanced decision respecting “public health and the economy,” he noted that Louisiana remains No. 1 per capita in the country in COVID-19 cases.

The archbishop said indoor social gatherings – including wedding receptions – must adhere to 50% capacity guidelines, with a maximum of 250 people. Outdoor receptions are capped at 50% capacity.

Nothing has changed in nursing home guidelines, although the Louisiana Department of Health is developing a pilot program that could loosen restrictions if a civil parish has a COVID positivity test rate under 5% and the nursing home is COVID-free for 14 days.

The archbishop said, however, the nursing home plan does not apply to Orleans Parish.

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