As various States begin to re-open after the shut down created by this health crisis, we would like to provide the following guidance for re-opening churches safely. Pastors should begin to make preparations for the following mitigation practices which will very likely need to be in effect for a considerable period of time even after re-opening. It is important to recognize that the churches of UPLCII hold a position of trust with our congregations and communities, and every possible measure should be taken to preserve that trust. Also keep in mind that every church is in it’s own context and each county has differing degrees of risk. Thus every church should re-open in line with local and state advice and recommendations.
Additionally, while the Board of Trustees has recommended that all churches in the state of Texas continue to offer services remotely until May 17, 2020, those churches wishing to continue to gather remotely beyond that date may do so until the State enters Phase 3.
Plans for Re-Opening Should Include:
- Become familiar with CDC and state guidance on Churches Reopening. Particularly seating capacity and social distancing. (Texas, Oklahoma)
- Consider posting a statement at the entrances notifying attendees as to the steps you are taking to keep everyone safe.
- Require masks or adequate face coverings as a condition for entry.
- Putting in place sanitation stations, and ready access for attendees to wash their hands upon entering or before the facility.
- Training of Ushers and Greeters regarding hygiene, wearing masks, and facilitating physical distancing, and seating parishioners at appropriate distances. Recognize that volunteers may feel that they are taking a risk by serving during this pandemic, and some my not be comfortable doing so. Churches should be considerate of such concerns and allow volunteers to op out where they do not feel comfortable.
- Discussing with the congregation the reasons for implementing these practices, so as to gain their understanding and cooperation.
- Avoiding person to person greetings (hand shaking, hugs, etc).
- Anticipate possible resistance to protocols on the part of some, be prepared to handle the situations that may arise safely and professionally.
- Consider having a special service just for those considered vulnerable.
- Prepare to clean commonly touched surfaces regularly, and disinfect the entire facility between every service.
- Plan to continue providing your services live online for those who are unable to attend due to vulnerability to COVID-19.
Texas Guidelines:
Health protocols for serving your attendees:
- Strongly encourage the at-risk population to watch or participate in the service remotely. (At-risk population are those who are 65 or older, especially those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; or weakened immune system)
- Designate an area inside the facility reserved for the at-risk population, or offer a service for at-risk population attendees only.
- Ensure proper spacing between attendees:
- Keep at least two empty seats (or six feet separation) between parties in any row,
except as follows:
-Two or more members of the same household can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side.
-Two individuals who are not members of the same household but who are attending together can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side.
(These guidelines work out to about 25% of your sanctuary capacity, therefore a church may consider holding multiple services with fewer people, holding services outdoors where distancing Guidelines do not apply.)
- Alternate rows between attendees (every other row left empty).
- No Child Care
Volunteers and Church Staff-
- Recognize that volunteers may feel that they are taking a risk by serving during this pandemic, and some my not be comfortable doing so. Churches should be considerate of such concerns and allow volunteers to op out where they do not feel comfortable.
- Train all employees and volunteers on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
- Screen employees and volunteers before coming into the church, congregation, or place of worship.
- Send home any employee or volunteer who has any of the following new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Diarrhea
- Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
- Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19 worsening signs or symptoms listed above to.
- Have employees or volunteers wash or sanitize their hands upon entering.
- Have employees or volunteers maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals. If such distancing is not feasible, then other measures including face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
- Consistent with the actions taken by many churches, congregations, and places of worship across the state, consider having employees, volunteers, and attendees wear face coverings (over the nose and mouth). If available, they should consider wearing non-medical grade face masks.