MASK UPDATE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO

Updated February 10, 2022

​As many of you have heard, the Archdiocese of Chicago has issued new directives for wearing masks.
 
Beginning Thursday, February 10, archdiocesan churches and chapels in Lake and Suburban Cook Counties (excluding Oak Park and Evanston) were informed that they can move to mask-optional for all Masses, liturgies, and Religious Education class attendance. The City of Chicago, Oak Park, and Evanston Health Departments currently have standing orders requiring masks applicable to Masses, liturgies, and Religious Ed classes. We will continue to follow these orders in those municipalities while they are in effect. This mirrors the guidance provided to archdiocesan schools, as well.
 
As we transition to mask-optional, please note the following:

• Parishioners and Religious Education families should be reminded to report any COVID positive cases (instances when the individual has been on parish property within 48 hours of symptoms or positive diagnosis) to the parish office so that appropriate communication can be shared with any close contacts.
• Everyone is encouraged to vaccinate, boost when eligible, and wear masks, if preferred. N95 masks are highly effective at preventing transmission of COVID regardless of whether the wearer is around masked or unmasked individuals. We support everyone in whichever decision they make regarding the regular use of masks.
• Our isolation and quarantine protocols are not changing. As such, even in a mask-optional environment, anyone – regardless of vaccination status – must isolate if they are symptomatic or test positive. Unvaccinated close contacts must quarantine. In addition, those people coming out of isolation or quarantine must wear a mask for an additional five days per CDC guidance.
• Masks may be required during periods of high community infection. We will continue to assess current trends and based on infection levels, we may require churches to temporarily require masks once again in the future.

Archdiocesan Covid-10 Updates Page