Updated Covid-19 Protocols Coming into Effect on Monday, March 21

The Archdiocese of Toronto has followed the Government of Ontario’s Covid-19 guidance throughout the pandemic. Last week, the provincial government announced the end of public masking requirements in most settings effective Monday, March 21, 2022. The health and safety experts who helped create the WorshipSafe protocols have been consulted on ending required masking, and they agree that mandatory masking can end in churches on the government’s timeline

Based on this, masks will no longer be required in our churches, halls and offices starting on Monday, March 21, 2022. Masks are still required in our churches until March 21, unless a medical exemption has already been accommodated by a parish.

Parishioners are still welcomed to wear masks in our churches, if they choose to do so.

For two years, we have hoped for a return to our pre-pandemic lives and these relaxed restrictions will be welcomed by many. However, the past two years have also been a deeply stressful time and many people will feel anxious about these restrictions being lifted. In the days ahead, we ask all our parishioners to love their neighbour by showing patience and understanding to others while in our churches and in our communities more broadly.

It remains important that those who are sick stay home from church. To take an online Covid-19 self-assessment, please click here.

If you have medical concerns surrounding the relaxing of pandemic restrictions, please reach out to your parish discuss what could be possible accommodations at this time.