Response Level 4 (Updated: 20 March 2020)
Churches will suspend all public Sunday and weekday Masses beginning noon Friday, March 20, 2020, until further notice. Bishop William A. Wack, CSC dispenses Catholics from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass while this suspension remains in effect. All other regularly scheduled liturgies and gatherings in churches will be canceled as well. At this time, churches will be open for private prayer and devotion at the pastor’s discretion.
 
Bishop Wack encourages all Catholics to “keep holy the Sabbath,” by reflecting on the Word of God and pray with the local Catholic community by virtual attendance at daily Mass and Sunday Mass, which can be streamed through the internet by visiting www.ptdiocese.org/livestreammass.
 
“We are all one in the Body of Christ. Let us pray for each other during this time of crisis and uncertainty. Please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters who are isolated or who are sick. We pray as well for the brave medical personnel and first responders, and all who are caring for the sick and quarantined. And let us not forget those who are lonely, afraid, depressed or anxious at this time,” said Bishop Wack.

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee continues to closely monitor the developments related to COVID-19. Protocols for medical emergencies are reviewed and updated as necessary in accordance with compliance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health.

A policy has been established to help parishes and schools make certain changes in their procedures, depending on how the Coronavirus: COVID-19 is spreading.

Response Level 4

In the event that the threat becomes dire, as it has in some places internationally, Bishop Wack has the authority to grant a general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and other Holy Days of Obligation.

At Our Lady of Victory:

• The main sanctuary and chapel will undergo a deep cleaning. We will inform parishioners through Flocknotes® when the building be open for private prayer.
• Livestream Sunday Mass will be available on the parish Facebook® page.
• Parish communictions will pushed out through the website and Flocknotes®
• Regular parish activities will be suspended.
• Parish is keeping regular hours.
• Sacramental emergencies will be addressed by the Pastor exclusively in accordances with CDC protocol for access, following the protocols established by hospital, nursing home, hospice, homebound, jail, prison and/or funeral home.
• Eucharistic Minister outreach to the homebound, the nursing home, and hospital is suspended.
• Confessions will be available by appointment.
• Protocol for Response Level 4 will be enforced.

Recovery

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee will work in close collaboration with public health officials and government agencies in the recovery process.

About Coronavirus: COVID-19

The COVID-19 appears to spread from person-to-person just like the seasonal flu. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

• People who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) are more susceptible.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home and avoid going out in public (work, school, church, store, etc.)