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Overall religious educations programs in the Archdiocese of New York did a phenomenal job in preventing COVID-19 exposure and keeping our young people and families safe.
Because there has been progress in education on reducing risks, understanding of symptoms, vaccinations, and treatment of those with COVID-19, the CDC, NY State, and NYC Departments of Education have streamlined their guidelines.
Hand sanitizing and temperature taking will not be conducted prior to entering our program. Likewise the use of a Health Admittance Screening Form, and mask wearing is not mandatory, although masks may be used in certain circumstances, (see more below).
These guidelines are presented here in an effort to keep everyone safe, and informed. Remember, your best judgement as a parent is what's most important.
Vaccinations
• Outside of the City of New York, it is encouraged that all volunteers be vaccinated
and boosted but is not required.
• There is no requirement of children or youth to be vaccinated.
Room and Facility Set-up
• Thankfully our spaces allow room between young people.
• A separate “Guardian Angel” room is set up in the event of an ill child (COVID or
otherwise).
• Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the buildings.
If an Exposure Occurs
• Parents/guardians and volunteers of those who were within six feet of the individual
for at least 15 minutes will be contacted.
• Young people and volunteers do not have to quarantine, but will need to wear a mask
for at least 10 days after exposure.
• Cleaning and disinfecting an area where an exposure occurred will be conducted.
If Positive for COVID-19
• Young people and adults who test positive for COVID-19 must stay home from parish
faith formation for five days.
• Young people and adults can return to parish faith formation on Day 6 if they are
fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and other
symptoms have improved, and must wear a mask for 10 days after their symptoms
began, or positive test date (whichever is earlier).
Mask Wearing
• Young people and adults, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask when
returning after testing positive for COVID-19 through Day 10 after their symptoms
began or positive test date (whichever is earlier).
• Young people and adults, regardless of vaccination status, should strongly consider
wearing a mask after being exposed to someone who has COVID-19 for 10 days.
• Those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and/or recommended by
their health care provider are also encouraged to wear a mask, if it makes them more
comfortable.
• Anyone may choose to wear a mask all the time or when it makes them feel more
comfortable.
• Mask wearing will not be policed.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
• IF there has been no confirmed or suspected COVID-19 in a space, routine daily
cleaning will be conducted.
• IF a sick person or someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 has been in the
space within the past 24 hours, the space will be cleaned AND disinfected.
Accommodation for Vulnerable Young People and Families
• If you feel your child is especially vulnerable to COVID please contact the Religious Ed
Office to discuss the situation.
Educate Yourself
• As we experienced over the past two years, our understanding of COVID has changed,
our communities have learned and responded, and guidelines have been adjusted.
• Refer to the CDC COVID-19 website for updates on the virus, vaccination efforts, and
methods to reduce transmission.
• Please feel free to also download the Safe and Sound 2022-23 Guidelines.