COVID-19 Updates for York Region, Toronto and Peel Region

On Friday, February 19, 2021, the provincial government provided an update regarding COVID-19 restrictions.

As of Monday, February 22, 2021, York Region will return to the COVID-19 Response Framework and will be placed in the Red (Control) Zone. In the Archdiocese of Toronto, York now joins Durham Region, Simcoe County and Orangeville in this designation. A reminder that Red Zone restrictions for places of worship are as follows:

• 30 per cent capacity (observing physical distancing) for liturgical/sacramental celebrations (Mass, Weddings, Funerals, Reconciliation). WorshipSafe guidelines must be followed.
• All other meetings should be held virtually wherever possible or postponed. There are exceptions for essential services (i.e. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, distribution of bag lunches for Out of the Cold programs, etc.). These events should be limited to 10 people and must observe rigorous protocols – distancing, mask use, sanitization, etc.
• Parish offices – limited operating hours (1-2 days max), only essential visitors (by appointment only) and staff work from home where possible.
• As previously communicated by Cardinal Collins, “In areas where public Masses are permitted to resume, parishes should make every effort to begin to offer the public celebration of the Eucharist as soon as possible and when, at the discretion of the pastor, they can do so safely.

Parishes in York Region will be busy preparing for the return to Mass. Please check-in with your local parish in the coming days for their Mass schedule. 

Toronto and Peel Region – the province has extended the stay-at-home order for Toronto and Peel until at least Monday, March 8, 2021. Current restrictions (a limit of no more than 10 people in the church at any time) remain in place. Holy Communion Services may continue on weekends with parishes encouraged to open the church each day for a period of private prayer. Parishes may also offer services via livestream.

Please note – as in the past, local municipalities may impose their own restrictions on top of the provincial measures. Should this be the case, we will share this information as soon as it becomes available. In addition, the province has indicated that, if necessary, it will deploy the “emergency brake” and move regions to Grey (Lockdown) designation within 24 hours should significant variants of COVID-19 threaten a particular region.

We continue to pray for you and your family during this challenging period of pandemic.