COVID-19 Updates
Timeline of current guidelines
May 5, 2023
In response to the recent World Health Organizations announcements about COVID the Diocese of Joliet has updated procedures.
Updated: Diocese of Joliet COVID Protocols, effective 5/5/2023
September 15, 2022
The governor of Illinois today announced that unvaccinated employees working in schools and childcare settings would no longer be required to undergo weekly testing for COVID-19.
August 2022
For the upcoming 2022-23 academic year, the following practices that reflect the January 13, 2022 guidance will be followed in Diocese of Joliet Catholic schools:
- Individuals who test positive must isolate from all school activities for five days and report the positive case to their school. Upon their return to school, for days 6-10, no masks are required if the individuals test negative. Absent a negative test, they must mask during the school day and social distance at lunch.
- Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 or any illness should stay home while sick.
- Schools will no longer conduct contact tracing. Close contacts will no longer be required to mask, quarantine or social distance at lunchtime.
July 13, 2022
The governor of Illinois lifted vaccination mandates for higher education employees and students but kept the mandate in place for K-12 school personnel.
March 21, 2022
Bishop Hicks today sent to parishes a letter lifting the dispensation for the obligation to attend Sunday Mass on Palm Sunday (April 10). The letter was to be included in bulletins distributed on March 27.
- Letter from Bishop Hicks: Lifting of dispensation
- Carta del obispo Hicks: Levantamiento de la dispensa
February 25, 2022
The diocese today updated its COVID-19 protocols to conform with the lifting of the statewide mask mandate for Illinois residents over the age of two in indoor public spaces on February 28.
REVISED: Diocese of Joliet COVID-19 mitigation protocols, effective 2/28/2022
February 10, 2022
During a press conference on February 9, the governor of Illinois announced the statewide mask mandate for Illinois residents over the age of two in indoor public spaces would be lifted on February 28. He also indicated the current mask mandate for school personnel and students could be rescinded “in the coming weeks.” With the end of mask-wearing on the horizon, and after consulting with our principals and directors of religious education, the Diocese of Joliet has decided to forgo implementation of the proposed Mask Use Form in the guidance issued on February 7 and issued an FAQ.
- FAQ Sheet: Educational and Catechetical Activities
- Hoja de Preguntas Frecuentes: Actividades Educativas y Catequéticas
February 7, 2022
The Diocese of Joliet today revised masking guidance in Catholic schools and religious education programs from “mask required” to “mask recommended” effective February 8. A Sangamon County judge on Friday, February 4, issued a temporary restraining order against the governor’s executive orders requiring masks in schools and a vaccination-or-test option for all school personnel. None of the Catholic dioceses in Illinois were parties to the lawsuit brought by parents against public school districts across the state, yet we value our partnership among school personnel, students and parents and made the decision to revise our mask guidance.
- REVISED: Diocese of Joliet masking requirements in Catholic schools, religious education programs
- REVISADO: Diócesis de Joliet requisitos de enmascaramiento en escuelas católicas, programas de educación religiosa
January 13, 2022
The diocese today updated guidance on COVID-19 exposure protocols for parishes and schools.
REVISED: Diocese of Joliet COVID-19 exposure protocols for parishes and schools
October 6, 2021
The diocese today issued updated COVID-19 singing protocols.