November 18, 2020
The health and safety of the parish staff and community at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is our top priority. I am writing to inform you that a member of the parish staffself-reported a positive test result for COVID-19 on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
The last day of exposure at the parish was Wednesday, November 18, 2020. The exposure did not involve the IHM School community. CDC advises that any symptoms of Coronavirus appear between 2 and 14 days from the date of exposure. We are handling this situation with the utmost seriousness. It is important to listen to facts and not respond to fear or rumor. We would encourage you to visit the CDC website
www.CDC.Gov for additional factual information.
The parish is following protocols from the CDC and NYS DOH and has conducted cleaning of the affected spaces at the parish in compliance with CDC Guidelines using approved disinfectants.
The NYS Department of Health has advised that only those individuals who were in “close contact” with the infected person are required to quarantine. Individuals who were in close contact are persons who were within 6 feet of the infected individual for ten minutes or more or those who were within 6 feet of the infected individual for an aggregate of 10 minutes or more over a 24 hour period. The parish contacted those individuals today who have been identified as potentially being in close contact with the infected individual to alert them to the situation. The Westchester County Health Department will then contact these individuals to initiate contact tracing, if necessary.
Because we have followed all guidelines on social distancing and wearing personal protective items, the likelihood of anyone becoming infected from this positive case is low. However, if you develop or have developed COVID-19 symptoms, you should call your medical professional or you can call the ArchCare COVID-19 Hotline at 1-877-239-1998. ArchCare has allocated staff to handle inquiries and provide guidance to members of the Archdiocesan community, including clergy, religious, volunteers, lay personnel, students, and their families. The Archcare Intake Specialists will answer all questions or route you to someone who can address your concerns. Archcare can also provide you with information about obtaining a COVID-19 test to determine if you have been infected by the virus.
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) New York State Hotline
The New York State Department of Health has set up a hotline at (888) 364-3065 where Department of Health experts will be available to answer questions regarding COVID-19.
During times like this, the safety and well-being of our Catholic parish families, staff, and those in our care, as well as those in the broader community around us, are our primary concern.
Know that Masses will proceed as scheduled.
Please know of our continued prayers and vigilance during this time.
In Jesus and Mary,
Msgr. Luke Sweeney
Pastor