August 3, 2021 COVID Protocol Update

Unfortunately, transmission rates and infections are increasing rapidly in our surrounding area and throughout Florida. As such, effectively immediately, we will be reinstating our mandatory face covering policy for all those attending services at St. Mark’s.
 
Also, face coverings will be required at St. Mark’s Thrift Store for volunteers and customers. 
 
Our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith, released the following directive to all congregations last evening.
 
“During the pandemic, we have learned that Coronavirus transmission rates and health guidelines regularly change.  This is where we find ourselves now:

• Last Tuesday, July 27, 2021, the CDC recommended that fully vaccinated Americans start wearing masks indoors again in places with high COVID-19 transmission rates. 

• Presently the state of Florida is counted as an area with high COVID-19  transmission rates. 

With those two changes in mind, and from a place of utmost concern for all in our diocese, Bishop Smith has decided that masks once again should be worn by all individuals for all indoor gatherings.”
 
I know that this is disappointing but the concern for the safety and well being of all is paramount.  I am encouraged to see lines growing for people to receive vaccines and hopeful that infection rates will begin to drop and we will be able to return to previous protocols in the near term.
 
Please continue to pray for those that are suffering and for those caring for them. 
 
Peace and Grace,
 
Fr. Bob+