There are several issues at stake for the Church during this crisis. Critics of the public health measures seem to be ignorant of the risks, or doubtful about what we've been told about the unique nature of this virus. 1/

A serious difficulty with the Catholic liturgy and sacraments in this pandemic is their communal and physical nature. It's not just about sitting or standing far apart from others, washing your hands, and using hand sanitizer. 2/

Research shows that the virus is viable on surfaces for LONG after they've been touched.

"The virus is viable for up to 72 hrs on plastics, 48 hrs on stainless steel, 24 hrs on cardboard, & 4 hrs on copper. It's also detectable in the air for 3 hrs." 3/ https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/03/20/sars-cov-2-survive-on-surfaces/

Think about it. It's not just the sign of peace and the holy water font. We're talking door handles, collection baskets and envelopes, bulletins, public bathrooms.

The back of the pew in front of you? Forget about it. And a confessional is basically a 4x4' petri dish. 4/

As for the sacraments, while I certainly don't want to see our priests get sick and die, my primary concern is not for them (no offense), especially if they are younger, but if they don't use EXTREME discretion when/if administering the sacraments, they could easily become 4/

a carrier, and spread the virus from one parishioner to another:

"Several studies have shown now that people infected with the new coronavirus are most contagious about one to three days before they begin to show symptoms." 5/ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic-transmission.html

That's right: MOST contagious 1-3 days BEFORE showing symptoms. This is not about the clergy's personal fear of death, as the editor of a "leading intellectual journal" repeatedly insists. It's to prevent the clergy from killing YOU. 6/

What has to happen for people to realize that this is the best course of action until we get a handle on this virus? A trip to the ICU after you've already spent 3 days infecting other people?

Seriously, folks. Stop acting like you are victims of oppression. 7/