Church revises Covid-19 measures for mass and liturgical events

The Church has revised a number of Covid-19 measures that it had introduced when churches were allowed to reopen in midJuly, including the removal of the mandatory use of masks or visors when entering the church.

Priests stopped celebrating mass inside churches for the public on 12 March as part of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19. Then, the faithful had been asked to follow mass on television. Whilst now individuals have the option to go to mass, those who cannot make it or are vulnerable can still follow mass, which will continue to be broadcasted on television and radio.

On 13 June, on the feast of Corpus Christi which marks the solemnity of the Body of Christ, churches were allowed to reopen their doors to hold mass whilst following mitigation measures against the coronavirus. These measures included the mandatory use of masks and visors inside the Church

Yesterday, Wednesday 1 July, the Archdiocese of Malta published a revised list of these protocols in which it has relaxed and, in some cases, removed certain measures since the Covid-19 situation in Malta is getting better while the Public Health State of Emergency has been lifted.

One of the most striking changes is the removal of the mandatory use of a mask or visor, nonetheless, the guidelines explain that anyone above the age of 3 is still highly recommended to wear one inside the church.

The mandatory measures that are set to remain as per the previous measures are as follows: Social distancing inside the church except for people living in the same household; Sanitiser at the door for public use; Communion is to be had in one’s place and received in one’s hands, not orally; Regular cleaning and ventilation of churches; Holy water fountains are to remain empty; And people with respiratory or flu symptoms will not be allowed inside the church.

Additionally, the decision which Bishops took when they closed down the churches, to relieve Christians from the obligatory attendance of Sunday mass, will remain in place for now. However, the Archdiocese highly encourages anyone who is not vulnerable to celebrate mass, especially on Sundays.