Hello everyone. I was potentially exposed to Covid yesterday, Wednesday at 3pm when I went to visit a homebound parishioner in Kenton, an elderly lady. She is hard of hearing so I took my mask off so she could better understand me. It turns out that her daughter, who lives in the same house, had just gone to the hospital not feeling well and then tested positive for Covid. She had not been feeling well for a few days which means her mother may have had it even though she seemed fine. I was notified about the potential exposure 2 hours after that visit. The CDC says that there is an “incubation period” of 1-2 days between the time of exposure until the time that one can be contagious if they actually have the virus. Fortunately though, once I had come back to the office, Kathy was already gone for the day. After being notified, I came back home and have been quarantining since.
It's important to note that I do not know that I actually have the virus, but in an abundance of caution, a few changes are in order: There will be no daily Masses at OLL beginning tomorrow, Friday and all through next week. Fr. Jeffrey will be saying this weekend’s Masses at both churches. Both ICC parish council and finance council meetings will be postponed.
I hope to be tested next week to have a more accurate result. If I am cleared, I should be able to say the weekend Masses on Jan 23 and 24th, especially since a negative test result plus 10 days with no symptoms can end the quarantine.
I will send out a regular Pastor’s Update tomorrow. Please pray that I don't have the virus, pray for all who do have the virus, and for an end to this pandemic.
Our Lady of Grace, pray for us!
God bless!
Fr. Ed