On November 6, pastors, priests, employees of the diocese received the following information from Father Robert Hughes, Vicar General for the Diocese of Camden:
Last week Governor Murphy issued executive order 192 which mandates a variety of actions that employers must take to safeguard their employees. This applies to the Diocesan Offices, Parish Offices, Churches, Religious Education Programs and Catholic Schools. Most of the actions mandated in the Governor’s executive order are already part of the protocols previously issued by the Diocese. As such, the following reminders are offered:
- Work stations are to be set at least six feet apart and workers are reminded to keep six-foot distances from one another at all times – in meetings, at the water cooler, eating lunch, using restrooms and any other activity. When this distance cannot be maintained masks covering one’s nose and mouth must be worn and barriers should be installed at work stations.
- Workers and visitors to any office, church or school are required to wear masks. Those under the age of two and others for whom it is unhealthy to wear a mask must limit their exposure to others by keeping greater than a six-foot distance and minimizing the time of their visit. Workers or visitors who refuse to wear a mask may be refused admittance, but for those attending Mass, reasonable accommodations should be made.
- Priests, deacons and extraordinary ministers of the Holy Eucharist are reminded that they are required to wear masks for the distribution of Holy Communion. All are to sanitize their hands before and after distribution of Holy Communion and during if necessary. One who cannot wear a mask to distribute Holy Communion should refrain from doing so.
- Workers are not required to wear masks while eating, drinking or working at their desk if they work in a private office. If an employee chooses to wear a mask at all times, employers cannot deny them this option.
- Employers are required to provide masks to all employees. Employers are also required to provide hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes or solutions for work stations, bathroom facilities, kitchen areas and other common spaces.
- Employers are required to provide regular sanitizing of commonly touched surfaces: door handles; bathroom doors and facilities; elevators; etc.
- Signs are to be posted about regular handwashing and other hygiene practices.
- Symptom checks are to be required of employees. They may be done by the individual him or herself or by an employer. These can include temperature checks, physical symptoms reviews or simply asking employees to use a checklist. It is sufficient for diocesan and parish offices that an employee self-monitor. Schools in the Diocese of Camden should continue to the more rigorous checks and protocols already in place.