The Chancery, parish offices and schools are to remain closed. However, if there is a need to have an employee or volunteer present in the office to perform “essential services”, then an employee or volunteer may visit the offices, but only to perform such services. Such visits to perform essential services are the
exception, not the rule. That is, if the essential services can be done remotely, they should be. The employee or volunteer should be there only for that period necessary to perform the essential services, and not to conduct full day or regular business activity.
Essential services involve tasks required to address time-sensitive legal, financial or operational issues which cannot wait until the “shelter in place” orders are lifted. Examples of essential services are IT operations and critical maintenance issues, as well as handling critical financial and operations issues such as bank deposits, payroll, etc.
There should not be more than one employee or volunteer in the office performing these functions at the same time unless absolutely necessary and then only with appropriate social distancing. Different employees or volunteers performing their respective essential services should stagger their time in the office to avoid overlap.
Supervisors are responsible for administration of this policy. Pastors or parochial administrators are responsible for their parish offices. Principals are responsible at schools. Department heads are responsible at the Chancery. No employee or volunteer who communicates any reservations about performing essential services should be required to perform such services.