As a result of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases caused by the delta variant, some local churches are requesting that attendees once again wear face masks as a precaution.
Church members at the United Church of Christ at The Villages are being ordered to wear masks inside the church, referencing the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advice that people should wear masks for indoor activities in locations with high transmission rates irrespective of vaccination status.
“We have made some strides in dealing with the pandemic, but we also are facing some possible threats and setbacks,” said the Rev. Joe DiDonato of UCC Villages. “We must not let our guard down. Sometimes, to move even further, we need to take a step back.”
Congregants and others are asked to abide by CDC instructions by wearing masks while entering and roaming around the UCC Villages building in Oxford, according to the new instructions. Those participating in speaking and singing during prayer do not need to wear masks during leading.
Temple Shalom of Central Florida, on the other side of County Road 101 in Oxford, is also following the CDC’s recommendations without any excuses.
“Due to the rise in variant-based COVID cases in the tri-county area, face masks are now required for services until further notice,” as per the statement published on Temple Shalom’s website.
The Villages’ Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando is likewise pushing its priests to propose that all Mass attendees wear masks in the sanctuaries. St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church in The Villages, St. Mark the Evangelist in Summerfield and St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church in Wildwood are among the diocese’s churches.
On the St. Vincent de Paul Church Facebook page, Cindi Van Nostrand, director of operations, said, “We are recommending that liturgical ministers, parishioners and visitors wear masks while participating in Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church. Special dispensation from attending Mass remains in effect. We want to keep everyone as safe as possible.”
On the church’s Facebook page, the Rev. Rafal Kandora, pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist, said, “In light of the concern over the resurgence of COVID in Central Florida and out of an abundance of caution for the welfare of our parish community, Bishop John Noonan and I encourage you to begin wearing masks during the celebration of Mass.”
Following a recent in-person Sunday service, Tri-County Unitarian Universalists in Summerfield confirmed that it will revert to virtual-only worship and meetings.