November 7, 2020

Dear St. Gerard Majella Parish Community,

I was notified this morning that I have tested positive for COVID-19. I have been self-quarantined since I began developing symptoms, and will continue to remain in quarantine until cleared according to the specific guidelines provided by the health department and CDC.

As I mentioned in the previous two letters this week, I maintained at least 6 feet of distance from others when celebrating Masses this week, with the exception of the moment of distributing Holy Communion. I wore a mask when distributing Holy Communion, and sanitized my hands immediately before distributing. I have spoken with the St. Louis County Health Department, and due to the protective measures in place, they reassured me that there is no cause for concern for anyone who attended any of these Masses. However, please monitor yourselves and your families for any symptoms of COVID-19. If you begin feeling symptoms, please contact your doctor. If your doctor recommends that you receive a COVID-19 test, contact your local health department, and please let me know so that our parish can take the necessary precautions.

All Masses at St. Gerard remain cancelled until further notice. Our rectory and parish office are also closed at this time.

All those with whom Father Huber and I believe we have been in close contact have already been notified separately. The St. Louis County Health Department will be following up directly via contact tracing with those whom they confirm are close contacts, and will be providing further direction.

I will share any additional important updates regarding this situation with all of you. This is a reminder to all of us that we need to be vigilant and consider an increased focus on social distancing, masks, hand washing, and all other protocols that are in place, especially as the number of COVID cases is on the rise in our greater St. Louis community. Please let me know if you have questions, or if I can be of further assistance to you.

A copy of this notification is being provided to the school community as well. Let us continue to pray for one another.

Sincerely,

Father David Skillman

Pastor, St. Gerard Majella Parish