FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR September 4, 2020
Good afternoon,
I would like to share with you the latest information we have received regarding the recent Coronavirus exposure. First, I’m sorry to say that Fr. Frank Sutman has now also had a positive test result from a test taken on September 2nd.
Secondly, please take a moment to read this statement from the Westchester Dept. of Health:
(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Department of Health has been notified that a second priest has tested positive for COVID-19 at Holy Innocents Catholic Church, located at 431 Bedford Road in Pleasantville. To date 2 priests and one church staffer have tested positive.
Anyone who attended the following services must quarantine, as required by the New York State Department of Health, for 14 days (regardless of a negative COVID-19 test) from that last visit to the Church during these days:
• August 24 – Morning Mass
• August 26 – Morning Mass
• August 29 – First Communion Ceremonies and ALL MASSES
• August 30 – ALL MASSES
Testing information:
Phelps Hospital
701 North Broadway
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
Open Saturday, Sunday, Monday from 9am to 4:30pm. Patient will drive to Phelps Hospital and go towards the Emergency Department, then they will see signs for the testing tent. Stay in car and drive in that direction until you reach the site. Patient will identify themselves as part of the Church cluster for testing. No appointment necessary.
Contacts of contacts, meaning secondary exposed people, are currently not at risk and do not have to quarantine.
The County is currently working closely with the Church, the Archdiocese of New York, the Pleasantville School District and the Village and will continue to update the public as information becomes available.
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) New York State Hotline
The New York State Department of Health has set up a hotline at (888) 364-3065 where Department of Health experts will be available to answer questions regarding COVID-19.
COVID-19 Hotline numbers for the public:
People under self-quarantine and medical providers seeking information: (866) 588-0195
People inquiring about testing: (888) 364-3065
General Information: call 211
I want to express my personal gratitude to everyone who has been able to come forward and help with this situation. We look forward to continuing to work with the Health Department and the Village to maintain everyone’s safety. Please know that ever since the beginning of the pandemic we have been following every safety protocol that has been required of us and we will continue to do so. We will continue to keep everyone informed as we continue to receive new information. Please do not hesitate to let us know if there’s anything we can offer during this challenging time.
Know of my continued prayers,
Fr. Luke