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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) – Boston churchgoers will have to continue wearing masks indoors during their religious services.
Regarding the surge in COVID-19 cases, the Archdiocese of Boston announced Thursday that they are extending their current mask mandate.
The mandate, which originally took effect on December 18, requires that all people attending public masses, including weddings and funerals, wear masks. The extended mandate, which was previously set to expire on January 17, will now expire March 3 – the day after Ash Wednesday.
Mass celebrants, deacons, readers, servers, choir members and instrumentalists must all wear masks except when they are speaking.
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Congregation members should also keep their masks on while singing but the choir is not mandated to do so. The choir also does not have to wear masks while they are not singing.
Children under the age of five are not required to wear masks and children under the age of two should not have to.
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In addition, the Archdiocese is asking all churches to continue providing a designated area where people can practice social distancing if desired. Parishes should also have masks available as much as possible.
More information about the Archdiocese’s COVID-19 updates and resources can be found through their Office of Risk Management.
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