Information updated 23 June 2021, 12pm
The following Guidelines are approved by Most Rev Peter A Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne, to assist Clergy and Faithful with questions pertaining to specific areas of liturgy and ministry in the Archdiocese of Melbourne during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The restrictions in place are compulsory as issued under lawful direction of the Chief Health Officer of Victoria, where a State of Emergency remains in place until 16 December 2021.
As of 11.59pm Thursday 24 June 2021, the following measures will apply across Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria until otherwise advised.
Metropolitan Melbourne
Face Coverings
- Must be carried at all times.
- Must be worn indoors (except if at home), unless an exception applies.
- Recommended to be worn outdoors where 1.5 metres physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Ceremonies and Religious Gatherings
- Permitted for up to 300 people per venue (numbers include celebrant, musicians and technicians).
- Density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm applies.
- No group limits.
- Exceptions apply for exclusive use by a single school. Refer to MACS for details.
Funerals (indoors and outdoors)
- Permitted with up to 300 people (plus those necessary to conduct the funeral), subject to venue density limits of 1 person per 4 sqm.
- Children under 12 months old are not counted towards this cap.
Weddings (indoor and outdoor)
- Permitted with up to 300 people (including the couple, celebrant and witnesses), subject to venue density limits of 1 person per 4 sqm.
- These settings apply to any venue in which a wedding is held, except for private residences where private gathering limits apply.
Social gatherings, visitors and leaving home
- Can leave home for any reason. Movement between Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria unrestricted.
Private Gatherings in the home
- Limited to 15 adults per day together or separately (dependants and children are included in the cap of 15 people unless they are under 12 months old).
Public Gatherings (park, beach etc.)
- Permitted for up to 50 people.
Care Facility Visitors
- Two visitors at a time, up to five per day, except for end of life (two visitors at a time with no total limit per day).
- Do not have to be from the same household and no time limit.
Hospital Visitors
- Two visitors at a time, up to five per day, except for end of life (two visitors at a time with no total limit per day). Do not have to be from the same household and no time limit.
Work
- Capped at 75%, or up to 30 people if total workplace is 40 or less, subject to density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm.
QR Contact tracing
- 15-min threshold removed. All venue attendees must register.
Under no circumstances should anyone awaiting a COVID-19 test verification, including Clergy (even without presenting symptoms) attend a church or parish setting until a diagnosis is confirmed. Additionally, under no circumstances should anyone attend who is closely connected to people who are awaiting test results or who have tested positive.
Victoria
We welcome the opening up of our places of worship and opportunities for gathering, but remain mindful and respectful that many in our community remain feeling cautious and anxious, and that density quotients will prevent our full communities gathering as they would wish.
For the time being, all Catholics in Melbourne continue to be dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further directed by the Archbishop. We continue to carry the happy obligation to keep Sunday holy, whether we can attend Mass or not, and can do so by any kind of prayer with members of our household and parish, reading holy scripture, and encouraging one another in our faith. Prayerfully watching an online Mass continues to be a great source of comfort on Sundays.
Where applicable, the following Liturgical Guidelines will apply, noting the difference in allowances between Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria: