News

Mask Update From the Archdiocese

Here’s the latest update on masks from the Archdiocese and the COVID Task Force…

In light of the recent decision by City of Chicago officials to lift the city’s mask mandate on February 28, and the relaxation of COVID mitigations in Oak Park and Evanston, all archdiocesan parishes, churches, schools and offices, will transition to mask-optional environments on February 28.

As our parishes and schools transition to mask-optional, please note the following:

• Parishioners and Religious Education families should report any COVID positive cases (instances when the individual has been on parish property within 48 hours of symptoms or positive diagnosis) to the parish office so appropriate communication can be shared with close contacts.
• Everyone is encouraged to vaccinate, boost when eligible, and wear masks, if preferred. N95 masks are highly effective at preventing transmission of COVID regardless of whether the wearer is around masked or unmasked individuals. We support everyone in their mask use decisions. 
• Our isolation and quarantine protocols are not changing. Even in a mask-optional environment, anyone – regardless of vaccination status – must isolate if they are symptomatic or test positive. Unvaccinated close contacts must continue to quarantine per current guidelines. In addition, people coming out of isolation or quarantine must wear a mask for an additional five days per CDC guidance.

Masks may be required during periods of high community infection. We will continue to assess metrics and, based on infection levels, we may again require parishes, schools, offices and Religious Ed programs to temporarily require masks.

Peace,
COVID Task Force