In response to improving numbers of those infected with the coronavirus in the El Paso area, and an improvement in the number of those hospitalized, the Diocese of El Paso announced Wednesday the has lifting of restrictions for the celebration of funeral masses and vigils.
The new guidelines, with safety protocols to include limits to the number of participants permitted, is effective immediately.
In collaboration with funeral home directors, a set of protocols have been developed to help insure the safety of all who participate while mourning the death of a loved one during the Vigil, Mass and Burial.
The protocols include a limit of 75 persons for the funeral mass and of 25 persons for the burial.
Social distancing, a mask mandate and capacity limitations are already in place at funeral homes for all funeral vigils. Social distancing, mask mandates and other protocols will be in place at the church and cemetery.
The Diocese of El Paso, along with El Paso-area funeral homes, are encouraging those in high risk populations and the elderly to watch from home as live streams will be made available by either the parish or the funeral home.
