However, many other dioceses have restricted access to the sacrament limiting it to only cases of immediate danger of death. Further, many States and cities have now enacted Shelter in Place laws that would make it difficult for people to receive the Sacraments. This is truly awful. I don't know what will happen here in Maine.

In response to questions raised, the Holy See has reminded us that:

1.) With regard to Penance, it is clear that the Sacrament is not to be celebrated via cell phone. In addition, in the present circumstances, cell phones should not be used even for the amplification of voices between a confessor and penitent who are in visual range of each other.

2.) “Where the individual faithful find themselves in the painful impossibility of receiving sacramental absolution, it should be remembered that perfect contrition, coming from the love of God, beloved above all things, expressed by a sincere request for forgiveness (that which the penitent is at present able to express) and accompanied by votum confessionis, that is, by the firm resolution to have recourse, as soon as possible, to sacramental confession, obtains forgiveness of sins, even mortal ones (cf. CCC, no. 1452).”