Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced on May 29, 2020 that 16 counties in western and central Pennsylvania, including much of the Pittsburgh area, will move to the green phase of reopening on June 5. In our diocese, Allegheny, Butler, Greene, and Washington Counties will be joining Lawrence County, which moved into the green phase on Friday, May 29. Beaver County will remain in yellow.
The green phase does not mean that everything is back to what we once knew as normal. Under the green phase, restaurants and bars, hair salons, barbershops, gyms, spas, wellness facilities, casinos, theaters and shopping malls are all allowed to open, but they must limit occupancy to 50%. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines must continue to be followed. Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said people will still need to wear masks and remain vigilant to potential spread.
Although churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other places of congregate worship are specifically excluded from the limitations established by the state order, religious institutions are strongly encouraged to enforce social distancing and other mitigation measures.
As such,
all current diocesan reopening guidelines, outlined in the “Moving Forward Together Guide,” remain in effect until further notice. In these changing times, Bishop David is asking you to support you pastor and his parish team work through the reopening transitions.
Please consult your parish office or website for more information regarding its plans.