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March 22, 2022

Diocese of Ontario Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

Over the past weeks, we have seen the Province of Ontario gradually removing mandates and restrictions around the COVID-19 Pandemic. While there continue to be risks and challenges, in general, key public health indicators continue to remain stable or improve. It appears that the peak of Omicron is behind us. The high vaccination rates in the province (including the three public health units in our diocese) and the arrival of new tools in fighting the virus (like antivirals) have led the focus to shift to living with COVID-19 and managing the impact of the virus in the longer term.
 
For the larger context, you can learn more about how Ontario plans to lift the remaining public health and workplace safety measures and track key indicators going forward by reviewing this document on the Province of Ontario website: Living with and managing COVID‑19: March 9, 2022.
 
Throughout the re-opening phase, we have recognized the uniqueness of each of our church buildings, the varying comfort levels of each church and its members, and the need to support our shared commitment to the safety and well-being of all who come together in worship and in the use of our facilities. Our approach has been to increasingly allow each parish/community to consider its own readiness and capacity to address the lifting of restrictions. We have also shifted to recommending “best practices” as we ease the restrictions. Churches are free to exceed/use more stringent standards as they see fit for their local context.
 
The Diocese of Ontario COVID-19 Guidelines were updated on March 4th. That update removed many restrictions but left two major ones – the requirement for all to be masked (other than to receive sacrament and when seated to consume food or drink) and the continued limitation of the sacrament to one kind (Bread). 
 
The most recent easing of restrictions by the Province has taken effect March 21st, with the adjusting of the requirement for the wearing of a mask. The province intends to remove the remaining restrictions by the end of April.
 
There have been a number of discussions on how to move forward as a diocese. A non-scientific poll was taken at last week’s Wardens, Treasurers and Clergy Call. The results from that poll showed that 60% felt that their church was ready to move forward with the next steps. Furthermore, 75% of those that expressed a position felt that this should happen before Easter. As always, we work to balance the many inputs (scientific, regulations, input from churches, leaders and parishioners, other dioceses, etc.).
 
The Diocese of Ontario COVID-19 Guidelines will remain as per the March 4th update until Saturday, April 2nd.  Effective Sunday April 3 (Lent V), the Guidelines will be updated as follows:
  • Masks continue to be recommended but are not required. The leadership of each church (the two wardens and the incumbent/priest-in-charge) can make a choice to continue to require the wearing of masks. Regardless of local decisions, all are welcome to continue to wear masks and should be supported and made to feel comfortable. It is recommended that celebrants wear a mask as they consecrate the sacrament. 
  • The sacrament of the Eucharist may again be offered in both kinds (Bread and Wine). The Chalice (Common Cup) is now available again, if the incumbent/priest-in-charge and wardens so decide. As always, no one is required to receive in both kinds.
Churches and their leadership can spend the next couple of weeks discussing their situation, needs and concerns as they consider what steps they may wish to take on April 3rd. With these changes in place, along with earlier ones:
  • Capacity restrictions are lifted
  • The sacrament can be received in both kinds
  • Masking is recommended but not mandatory
  • Restrictions on social time, meetings and other gatherings (including food and drink) are lifted
  • Groups renting facilities and other uses of facilities (e.g., thrift stores, fundraising events, etc.) are now only limited by applicable provincial regulation to those activities
  • Proof of Vaccination is not mandatory, but can be implemented locally
  • Contact tracing is not required
  • Pastoral visitation is subject to the rules placed by the care facilities at the time. It is recommended that those doing pastoral visitation with vulnerable groups continue to wear a mask.
 The Province of Ontario has also updated its COVID-19 isolation guidelines. If you think you may have COVID-19 or were exposed to the virus, please visit this website for guidance about how to take care of yourself and protect others. Out  of an abundance of caution, clergy and other lay ministers who have symptoms of COVID-19 are advised to refrain from liturgical leadership or providing in-person pastoral care to high-risk persons for a full 10 days. 
 
As with previous guideline changes, we recognize that the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve and change. The changes planned for April 3rd are based on the current situation, regulations and expert guidance. We need to ensure that we remain vigilant and flexible at the diocesan, church and personal levels so that we can quickly respond to changes that may occur in the situation or needs.

As always questions can be directed to pandemic@ontario.anglican.ca.
 
Please continue to pray:
 
For the sick and those infected with COVID-19: God, heal and help. Sustain bodies and spirits. 

For our vulnerable populations: God, protect our elderly and those suffering from chronic disease. 

For the young and the strong: God, give them the necessary care and caution to keep them from unwittingly spreading this disease. Inspire them to help.

For frontline health care workers: God, we thank you for their vocational call to serve us. We pray that God keeps them safe and healthy. Keep their families safe and healthy.

For our scientific community, leading the way in understanding the disease and in communicating its gravity: God, give them knowledge, wisdom, and a persuasive voice. 

For Christians in every neighborhood, community, and city:  May your Holy Spirit inspire us to pray, to give, to love, to serve, and to proclaim the gospel. 

For all of us: God may you teach us to be his faithful people in this time of global crisis.
 
May you all enjoy the spring weather as we continue our journey to the great celebration of Easter!

Yours in Christ,
 




Bishop Michael Oulton
Diocesan Bishop


 



Alex Pierson
Diocesan Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer

Ven. Wayne Varley
Archdeacon for Ministry and Program