Denver Catholic

fatality risk among these categories if infected with COVID -19. The sum- mary message is clear: there is virtually no risk of death for those who are healthy between the ages of 0 and 17 (CFR=.0007 percent), a risk similar to annual flu for those healthy and between 17 and 65 (CFR=.16 percent), and approximately a 12 times greater risk than annual flu for those healthy over 65 (CFR=1.5 percent). If one includes fatalities from those individu- als with one or more pre-existing medical conditions, the CFR increases significantly, up to seven percent. Estimates from New York indicate that in approximately 70-90 percent of fatalities, patients had pre-existing medical conditions. What does all this mean in terms of what our level of concern should be, and what precautions should be in place? How should we safely reopen our churches? With respect to the question of how to safely resume Masses, the Arch- diocese of Denver has issued sound guidelines, that in general follow the Thomistic Institute document, Guidelines on Sacraments and Pastoral Care. This document was formulated by experts in both infectious disease and in liturgy, and as a result, both respects the liturgy and provides a safe way for Mass participation. Attending Mass and following the archdiocesan guidelines provide adequate risk reduction. Finally, how concerned should we be living during this pandemic? First of all, based upon our faith in Christ, none of us should be afraid. However, we should all be concerned about this pandemic. As I stated at the begin- ning, it is in fact the worst-case scenario; a new virus in a population with no immunity and with no vaccine on the immediate horizon. Many people have died and more will die from this virus. However, we do not all face the same level of risk. We should look at the facts and determine for ourselves the risk that we face and adopt the corresponding risk management mea- sures. We also need to consider not only our own age and personal health, but also the risk we posed to others if we infect them. Some of us need to be more concerned and take greater protection measures than others. For example, a healthy individual below the age of 65 should not be doing significantly more than what would be done in a typical flu season. On the other hand, those over 65 with one or more underlying medical conditions should take great precautions in public, and perhaps not even attend Mass. The bottom line is if we're smart about this, use common sense and the data that we have to take reasonable precautions, many of us can go about our lives and attend Mass with minimal and even negligible risk. With respect to the question of how to safely resume Masses, the Archdiocese of Denver has issued sound guidelines." DEACON ROB LANCIOTTI " 15 DENVER CATHOLIC | JUNE 13-26, 2020

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