Due to the recent spike in Covid-19 cases, the church was closed last Sabbath. According to our previously voted policy when our area has a 7 day moving average of increased cases for 4 straight days, our church has to go back to online services only. That means no more than 10 people at the church building.
In order to allow the church to re-open this Sabbath, July 18th, the board has approved a number of additional safety measures. If we add these additional safety measures, then we are able to go ahead and open the church facilities despite the recent spike in Covid-19 cases. While we all look forward to the day that these safety measures aren’t required, these additional measures were necessary for us to remain open and continue worshipping together.
Some of the important safety measures are summarized below:
1. Masks. Face coverings will be required while in motion (e.g. entering the church, going to the restroom, walking to your seat). Face coverings can be removed while seated in the sanctuary. Complimentary disposable face coverings will be provided near the church entrance.
2. Social distancing. Please maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and others while in the church building. This guideline does not apply to family members that live in the same household. In order to make social distancing possible, please go directly to the sanctuary and avoid congregating in the lobby or other common areas.
3. Hugging and handshaking. Please do not use hugs and handshakes as greetings while in the building. Elbow bumps are a recommended alternative.
4. Exit procedures. In order to encourage social distancing the congregation will be dismissed row-by-row at the end of the service, starting at the back of the sanctuary and moving towards the front. When dismissed, please exit the church rather than congregating in the lobby. You are free to visit outside in the parking lot or pavilion areas.
5. Symptoms. If you or someone close to you have experienced COVID-19 symptoms in the past two weeks, please view the service online rather than attending in person.
We all look forward to the day these guidelines are no longer needed, but until then, we ask for your cooperation in following these safety measures so that we can continue to worship together in a safe and responsible way.