Due to the epidemiological situation and measures ordered by the Central Crisis Management Team, it's currently impossible to organise mass confessions at churches ahead of Easter, Slovakia's chief hygienist Jan Mikas stated in an official instruction letter on Tuesday. The hygienist conceded only the possibility of organising individual confessions "in exceptional (extraordinary, urgent) situations" upon previous request and with the observance of anti-epidemic measures. Moreover, the penitent must be "healthy and without mandatory quarantine measures". "The ideal place for confession is exterior around the church (garden). In case of bad weather it's possible to hear confessions inside the church, but only a limited number of people can be let in," said Mikas.
The chief hygienist also issued a series of instructions to be heeded in the distribution of Communion. Meanwhile, public masses in Slovakia have been cancelled for almost a month now.
