The Archdiocese of Newark announced that the attendance limit for its 212 churches in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties has increased.

The amount of parishioners permitted indoors for Masses, baptisms, weddings and funerals has increased to 150 participants, or 25% of the church's capacity, whichever is lower.

The archdiocese says its protocols from its Phase Three reopening directive remain, including the requirement of masks and social distancing. Churches are also required to sanitize pews and common surfaces after each Mass.

Those who do not feel safe or have compromising health conditions are encouraged by the archdiocese to not attended in-person Mass. Instead, parishioners can watch livestreams of Masses online.

More information about COVID-19 protocols in churches can be found on the Newark Archdiocese website.