This seems to be very similar to where we were about 7 months. COVID numbers are going up and we are closing down. This includes churches here in El Paso. Bishop Mark Seitz announced on Monday that the El Paso Catholic Diocese will not be celebrating public Mass until at least November 8th. Weddings, funerals, and baptisms have also been postponed. Other points from the announcement include:

  • All church gatherings are limited to just those necessary to facilitate the gathering or live-streaming of Mass, not to exceed 10 people.
  • Funerals, weddings, baptisms, and similar liturgies are postponed.
  • Church meetings and classes should either be postponed or held virtually.
  • Churches will be closed. Confession is available by appointment only.

The numbers in El Paso continue to rise to the point that we're making national news. I'll repeat this again. Just stick to the guidelines and the numbers will go back down. Wash your hands, wear a mask, and keep your distance. It's simple. But of course, you just need to go to Facebook to see that there are still people out there who don't give a ****.

Bishop Seitz commented on the current situation in El Paso, saying:

Our entire community ought to be very concerned about the unprecedented number of positive cases that have been reported over the last several weeks. This virus is a mortal threat to many and is spreading unchecked at this time. We must come together as a community out of concern for all who are vulnerable among our families.

Unfortunately there are enough people out there who aren't concerned about the numbers we are seeing in El Paso and believe one of a few things:

  • COVID-19 is no worse than the common flu and we are all going to get it anyway.
  • The death rate of COVID-19 isn't worth worrying about. (Unfortunately this also ignores the permanent lung and heart damage cause).
  • It's all still a giant hoax and will go away after the election.

 

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