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No new restrictions on religious exercise are associated with the “lockdown for the unvaccinated.” The new Covid 19 Protective Order passed Sunday night includes a general exemption provision for “gatherings for the purpose of religious worship.”
Furthermore, as of Monday, according to the new regulation issued by the Minister of Health, leaving private homes for “the satisfaction of basic religious needs, such as visits to cemeteries and individual visits to places of religious worship” will be allowed.
Provisions of the Framework Regulations of the Bishops’ Conference
“For the area of the Catholic Church, the provisions of the framework order of the Bishops’ Conference apply with regard to the attendance of public services and the celebration of the sacraments, which are not restricted by the new lockdown order of the state,” explained the Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference, Peter Schipka, in an interview with Kathpress on Sunday.
Schipka further stated: “I hope that people will experience strengthening and hope in their faith, especially in this time. Whether for personal prayer, the celebration of the divine service or the reception of the sacraments, the churches remain open for this.”
The bishops have already tightened the coronavirus rules for the Catholic Church last Thursday, effective since Saturday, within the framework of their plenary session, on their own initiative, in view of the significant increase in the number of infections.
Wearing a FFP2 mask mandatory
The most important rule is the mandatory wearing of an FFP2 mask during public worship services, regardless of status in terms of recovery, vaccination or testing.
In addition, however, all who provide a liturgical service must provide proof of 3G. For “single occasion celebrations” such as baptism, first communion, confirmation, or marriage, a 2G rule may be agreed upon. If this is the case, the FFP2 mask may be waived.
Tightening for choir singing
There are also tightenings for choir singing and choir rehearsals: up to 25 persons they are only allowed with a 2.5G proof, from 26 persons a 2G proof is obligatory.
In the Diocese of Linz, due to a decree of the diocesan bishop, Manfred Scheuer, and because of the critical infection situation in Upper Austria, rules for maintaining a minimum distance in churches in particular will also apply again from Monday for liturgical celebrations.
State regulations for each type of event
The framework regulations of the Bishops’ Conference apply to liturgical celebrations. For other church events such as group meetings, parish cafes or, for example, church concerts, the state regulations for the respective event type apply.
The health secretary’s new Covid regulation is in effect nationwide for a limited time until Nov. 24, when it would need to be extended. Anyone who is neither vaccinated nor recovering will be affected by the restrictions.
Children up to age twelve are exempt from the restrictions, and older school-age children are exempt if they have a “ninja passport” showing proof of coronavirus testing at school.
- source: orf.at/picture:pixabay.com
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