Covid-19 Updates
Masking is Optional Beginning Monday, February 28, 2022

COVID-19: Guidelines and Protocols from the Archdiocese of Boston
​All news related to previous Covid-19 restrictions set by the Archdiocese of Boston can be found here 

• The Boston Archdiocese announced on Thursday, February 10, 2022, that all mask mandates for public masses and indoor gatherings will be lifted on Monday, February 28, 2022 (link found here). This date aligns with the statewide lifting of mask mandates in Massachusetts schools.
• The town of Marblehead rescinded their mask mandate effective February 12, 2022.
•  Masking on transportation:
  • ​The CDC does not require masks on buses/vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education and child care programs (details here).
  • The Federal government does require masks on federally operated public transportation (​details here).

Although masking is only optional, Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish will continue to provide:

• A designated area at the front left of our church for those who wish to maintain social distancing. 

• Hand Sanitizers at the front and the back of the church
• Hand Sanitizers in all student classrooms at the Parish Center
• Masks available to anyone who requests one

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Not Feeling Well?
​The Coronavirus Self-Checker is a tool developed by the CDC that can help in your decision-making for when to seek testing and medical care. It is an interactive clinical assessment tool that will assist individuals aged 13 and up, and parents/caregivers of children ages 2-12, on deciding when to seek testing or medical care if they suspect they, or someone they know has contracted COVID-19, or has come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19. This online, mobile-friendly tool asks a series of questions, and based on the user’s responses, provides recommended actions and resources. 

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COVID-19: Guidelines and Protocols from the Archdiocese of Boston
All news related to previous Covid-19 restrictions set by the Archdiocese of Boston can be found here 

• The Boston Archdiocese mask mandates end February 28, 2022. This date (Feb. 28) corresponds with the decision by Governor Baker to lift mask mandates imposed on Massachusetts children .
• Masks are available at Church entrances for those who request them.
• Hand sanitizers are available at all entrances. 
• A designated area is available at the front left of our church for those who wish to maintain social distancing. 
• ​Any parish in a town with a mask mandate must abide by their town’s requirements.
  • The town of Marblehead previously had a mask mandate instituted onto people aged 2+ for indoor businesses and in public spaces (except while sitting down eating food or drinking at a restaurant, or when actively eating and drinking at entertainment venues). This mandate was set to expire March 8; however, the Marblehead Board of Health met on Friday, February 11 to lift all remaining mask mandates, effective Saturday, February 11, 2022. (Article found here). 

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Covid-19: Guidelines and Protocols from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
֍ March 23, 2020: Governor Baker issued an Emergency Order requiring all businesses that do not provide state-determined essential services to close their facilities to workers, customers and the public in order to decrease the spread of the Coronavirus and keep the hospitals from being overwhelmed.
֍ May 30, 2020: We re-opened under new safety guidelines given by the Archdiocese of Boston. Outlined below are current protocols regarding COVID-19. We encourage you to stay informed with the most recent updates provided by the RCAB Office of Risk Management by clicking here.
For the latest information we encourage you to visit BostonCatholic.org/coronavirus.
֍ Effective December 26, 2020: Governor Baker issued state-wide capacity limitations for places of worship to 25% of seating capacity.
֍ Effective February 8, 2021: Governor Baker issued state-wide capacity limitations for places of worship to 40% of seating capacity.
֍ Effective March 1, 2021: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts issued State-wide capacity limitations for places of worship to 50% of seating capacity. For more details, please visit the Mass.gov website by clicking here.
֍ Effective May 10, 2021: Governor Baker issued a statement on April 27, 2021 that proclaimed May 10th as the date Massachusetts will move into Phase IV (Step 2) of the re-opening plan.
֍ Effective May 29, 2021: Governor Baker issued a statement on May 17, 2021 that Massachusetts will lift all COVID-19 restrictions and rescind the state's face covering order effective May 29. All businesses and places of worship can go back to 100% capacity. The "State of Emergency" will end on June 15. Face coverings may still be mandatory only for transportation systems, in healthcare facilities, and in congregate care settings.
֍ Effective July 30, 2021: The Massachusetts Department of Health advises these specific populations to continue wearing face masks, even if they received a Covid-19 shot:
-Individuals or members of your household who have a with a weakened immune system.
-Individuals or members of your household who are at high risk for severe disease due to age or underlying medical conditions. 
-Masks are still mandatory for individuals using public/private transportation systems, and in healthcare facilities.
֍ Effective December 21, 2021: The Department of Public Health advises all residents, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask or face covering when indoors (excluding your own home), especially those with a weakened immune system, are over 65+, or have an underlying medical condition.
​Details can be found here.
֍ Effective February 28, 2022: Governor Baker issued a statement on February 9, 2022 that Massachusetts will lift ALL COVID-19 mask mandates for schools. (Press Release here). Massachusetts was among the last of our 50 United States to lift the mask mandates.
֍ Effective Today: Covid-19 is ENDEMIC. Our God-given American freedoms were returned, including the right to worship and attend school.