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Ventura County Public Health Press Release
Contact: Ashley Bautista, Public Information Officer, (805) 654·2640
 
Ventura, CA – Ventura County Public Health Officer changes position on face masks, no longer advising against wearing them in public. Instead, he supports those residents who wish to cover their nose and mouth when leaving home for essential travel to doctor appointments, grocery shopping or pharmacy visits. The face coverings should not be hospital grade at this time because there is a shortage and our health professionals need them. Masks should be homemade and cover the nose and mouth. There are numerous sites online which demonstrate or give patterns for how to make fabric masks. The Camarillo Sewing Brigade provides video instruction at the following link. Additional instruction at the following link. Fabric masks can be washed and used again.
 
For decades, Public Health officials nationwide and locally have said that wearing a mask for protection against the flu is unnecessary for the general public. Now, Ventura County Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin says circumstances have changed.  “There is growing evidence that people can have COVID-19 without any symptoms and that they can pass it to others at this stage. Many people wear masks thinking it will protect them from a virus, and in certain cases it may. That may also be true for COVID-19 especially if accompanied by good hand hygiene and social distancing, but now there may be a better reason to wear a mask; it will decrease the chance of you spreading it to someone else if you have the infection asymptomatically.” 
 
This is particularly important if decreasing spread means not infecting a senior or someone with other chronic conditions.  “In light of building evidence, I support those who wish to wear a mask in public. I don’t think everyone must do so, but I look upon those who do as making a responsible decision. I never thought I’d say that.”  It is imperative though, that the use of masks by members of the public not contribute to the shortage of personal protective equipment needed by first responders like health care workers. If someone chooses to wear a mask in public, it should be home made, at least until there is no more shortage.  “I’m not ready to wear a mask yet but I will respect those who do.  It’s going to be hard for me to not start wearing one,” said Doctor Levin. “Covering your face doesn’t change the orders everyone must abide by to stay home as much as possible and maintain social distancing, but it’s an extra layer of protection that I think is reasonable to add.”
 
The rationale for covering one’s face comes from the belief that transmission occurs primarily through droplets from an infected individual, which fabrics may filter. This not only helps to reduce the risk a well person can breathe those droplets in, but also protects others around someone with mild or no symptoms who may not yet realize they have the COVID-19 infection. Face coverings may be worn anytime a person is outside of their home, even in offices of essential businesses.
 
“We must work together to stop the spread and save lives in our County,” said Doctor Levin. “That means that flattening the curve may benefit from another layer of protection against the virus. Consider the additional step to cover your face.” Health officials continue to stress that frequent hand washing, social distancing and staying home are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Stay in your place, maintain your space and cover your face.
 
Ashley Bautista
Public Information Officer
County of Ventura, CEO
Office: (805) 654·2640
Mobile: (805) 212·9484
Ashley.Bautista@ventura.org
www.ventura.org
www.vcemergency.com

Dear Parishioners,

We were asked not to distribute palms to you, as always for health reasons. But...

I have it on good authority that in Russia, Poland, Ukraine and Austria, where there are no palm trees, willow branches are used instead of palms. So I invite you, go into your yard, or with your neighbor’s permission their yard, and find your own worthy substitutes for the palm branches we would have distributed. Bring them to wherever you are going to watch Mass this coming Sunday, 10:00 am. Together, we’ll recall our Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the royal city, before we
experience the spiritual whiplash, from praise and glory to deep suffering, proclaimed in the two Gospel readings of the day.

If you happen to have a palm tree in your yard, all the better.

Also, consider wearing red, even at home (and yes, if you’ve been wearing your pajamas to Mass these last weeks, let them be red jammies), as an outward sign of our identification with Jesus, as his disciples, in his greatest act of fidelity and selflessness.

I’ll be with you at 10:00 am.

Love from your priest,
Fr. Patrick

​Dear Padre Serra Parishioners,
Many of you have sent me emails regarding COVID-19, the current coronavirus.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention currently evaluates the risk of people living in the United States, at this time (5:30 pm on 3/6/20), as being low. That might change, but we’ll do best if we evaluate the risks calmly and act in reasonable ways.
I would like to make the following suggestions:

1. First, if at any time you feel ill, please remain at home. Do not come to church, work, or sports or send your children to school. To be clear, do not come to Mass while sick. Stay home, watch Mass on TV, and recover before returning.
2. Wash your hands, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds of vigorous washing and avoid touching your face.

For us here at Mass:

1. We will temporarily suspend the reception of Communion from the chalice. We will return to our normal practice as soon as it is deemed reasonably safe.
2. I ask that all those who receive Holy Communion on the tongue, to temporarily receive in the hand. If the minister’s hand touches anyone’s tongue or lips, that minister has to immediately step away from distributing communion any further.
3. Instead of holding hands at the Our Father, let’s simply hold our hands up in a prayerful position.
4. At the sign of peace, let’s offer each other, along with the prayer for peace, the warmest smiles, and the kindliest, respectful bows.
5. After Mass, for the time being, I’ll still be outside to greet you, but no hugs or handshakes.

All this is temporary. In the meantime, shall we not pray for the sick, the deceased, and the wonderful people who day-after-day work in the medical field for our well-being?

Siempre adelante!
Fr. Patrick

Every home should have a fire extinguisher, and parents and older children should know how to use it. Small fires can escalate quickly.
Parents, familiarize yourself with the extinguishers in your home, and teach children where they are and how to use them safely. Use the PASS trick to help remember what to do: Pull the pin, Aim at the fire’s base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side.
To request a copy of the VIRTUS article “Fire Extinguisher Tips Everyone Should Know,” email jvienna@laarchdiocese.org.