TO MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF SAINT KATERI PARISH COMMUNITY The health and safety of the parish staff and community at the Church of Saint Kateri is our top priority. I am writing to inform you that a member of the parish staff is in quarantine because of exposure to someone who received a positive test result for COVID-19 on Saturday, February 6, 2021. The last day of exposure at the parish was Friday, February 5, 2021. 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 will clean and sanitize the church following CDC Guidelines using approved disinfectants. The NYS Department of Health has advised that 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. The parish will be contacting any individuals who have been identified as potentially being in close contact with the infected individual to alert them to the situation. The Dutchess County Health Department will then contact these individuals to initiate contact tracing, if necessary. The parish is following protocols from the CDC and NYS DOH and will clean and sanitize the church following CDC Guidelines using approved disinfectants. 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. In addition, you can obtain additional information by visiting the Dutchess County Department of Public Health website at https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.htm. 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 concerns. Father Pancrose Kalist, Pastor February 8, 2021