Corona rules in churches: no minimum distance must be maintained during masses and other liturgical services

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Bishops’ Conference’s new framework rules effective March 5 – Minimum distance and 3G rule for liturgical services dropped – Mask during celebration recommended, but no longer mandatory.

In the wake of far-reaching relaxations in state Corona regulations, the Austrian Bishops’ Conference on Friday adapted its rules for public worship services to the easements. Thus, as of Saturday, March 5, it is valid throughout Austria in the Catholic Church that no minimum distance must be maintained during services. The 3G rule for liturgical services will also be dropped again. The previously applicable mask requirement will no longer apply outdoors but will be modified indoors: for example, an FFP2 mask is now mandatory when entering and leaving the church. Otherwise, it is recommended. Therefore, the mask can be removed at the place.

Congregational singing can occur without restrictions in the future, while state regulations apply to choir singing. Various hygiene measures remain in place, such as the provision of disinfectants and the airing of churches after services. The greeting of peace will continue without touching. Holy water basins are to be filled as last time, but the water must be changed regularly – at least weekly.

When taking communion, FFP2 masks and hand communion are “strongly recommended”; oral communion is also possible, as it was last time. Those are administering communion must disinfect their hands and put on an FFP2 mask before distributing.

For one-time celebrations such as baptisms, first communions, confirmations, and weddings, the general rules of worship apply, and some of the previously detailed rules are no longer applicable. A prevention concept is still necessary for these celebrations, but without measures for contact person management. As before, confession should occur outside the confessional in a well-ventilated room. Both have to wear an FFP2 mask if it happens in the confessional.

Personal responsibility and consideration

With this framework order, the bishops of Austria are reacting to the current epidemiological situation, it is stated at the beginning. “Personal responsibility, mutual consideration and mindful understanding of one another remain essential prerequisites for the celebration of religious services.”

The new framework allows dioceses to adopt regionally autonomous approaches to corona control, as they have recently. Thus, both tightening and easing are possible in unison with state regulations.

After the expiration of the last Corona agreement with the Ministry of Culture at the end of June 2021, the churches and religious communities agreed that they would “continue to take precautionary measures for the protection of the faithful at their discretion.” The Bishops’ Conference then adopted a framework order effective July 1 of last year, which has since been amended several times.

(Framework order and prevention concept in wording at www.bischofskonferenz.at/behelfe/corona-rahmenordnung-und-praeventionskonzept)