Diocese of Grand Island
Coronavirus COVID-19 – Phase IV Instructions
(Updated September 16, 2020) 

On Monday, September 14, 2020, Governor Ricketts announced that all counties in Nebraska are moved to Phase IV of reopening, with the exception of Lancaster County, which includes Lincoln.  

According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website page entitled “Outline of Changes to Upcoming DHM’s Phase IV,” the section listed as “Churches” says, “[This] Section is removed from DHM [Directed Health Measures]. Guidance will remain and use is recommended.” 

Immediately below the section on Churches is a section on “Gatherings” This section says that “INDOOR Gatherings will be limited to 75% of occupancy.”  In other words, a Church service/liturgy is not a gathering because that is a separate category on this page. Furthermore, the Category “Wedding and Funeral Reception Venues” on this page says that those functions are now removed from the Directed Health Measures. Thus, the only “indoor gatherings” in our church facilities that would be limited to 75% of rated occupancy are bazaars or church festivals.   

Therefore, in all our Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Grand Island 

• Masses and other liturgical services may resume full capacity, with the health department recommending previous guidance (facial coverings, sanitizing, social distancing, etc.) 

• Weddings and Funeral Reception Venues (parish social halls) may resume full capacity, including buffet lines, for weddings, funerals, sacramental receptions, with the health department recommending previous guidance (facial coverings, sanitizing, social distancing, etc.)