BRIDGEPORT—Bishop Frank J. Caggiano has approved expanded capacity in all diocesan churches consistent with new state guidelines announced by Governor Ned Lamont.
On September 24, the governor announced that as the State of Connecticut begins Phase III of its re-opening plan, churches can increase attendance to 50% capacity with a cap of 200 people effective October 8.
Bishop Caggiano discussed the changes with pastors and priests prior to the announcement at Wednesday’s presbyteral assembly and has issued the following guidelines as churches expand their capacity:
- Only every other pew can be used for seating.
- 6 feet of distance must be maintained between individuals or family units within a pew.
- Masks must be worn.
The guidelines indicate that if a person refuses to wear a mask, he or she should be asked to leave the church unless they can provide medical proof of a medical condition that prohibits them from wearing a mask.
The diocesan guidelines acknowledge that given the above protocols for seating and social distancing, it may not be possible for each parish to reach 50% of church capacity with a cap of 200.
According to the guidelines, if the positivity rate within a particular town or city exceeds 5%, then the pastor should reduce capacity to 100 people per Mass.
(For updates and complete Coronavirus health and safety protocols, visit: www.bridgeportdiocese.org/coronavirus/home.)
