May 7, 2021
Beginning on the weekend of May 22nd, the Allentown Catholic Diocese will allow churches to return to full capacity. The diocese says worshipers will still have to wear masks, as will priests and others giving out Communion. The sign of peace will continue to remained shelved. The obligation to attend Mass is not being lifted yet and Bishop Alfred Schlert says he doesn't know when that might change.
We've learned more than 50 Allentown Catholic Diocese priests will be getting new assignments later this year. Official word will be announced at Masses in most diocese churches this weekend.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Thursday announced 2476 new coronavirus cases in the state, leaving the state's overall total at 1,166,692. 57 new COVID-related deaths, pushing the state's total to 26,447. Right now, 2131 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, 467 of whom are in the intensive care unit.