COVID GUIDELINES AND PLANS FOR GATHERINGS
(updated 9.17.21)
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in our area due to the delta variant, we are continually discerning how we respond as a gathered community. At this point, we have not made significant changes to our guidelines that were set in May. Please be praying for wisdom for our leaders as we listen and discern in the midst of the ever-changing realities of this pandemic.
~The BRIDGE Team
Guidelines – Please do not join in-person gatherings if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19. Follow your doctor’s counsel and CDC guidelines for when to re-engage with in-person gatherings.
Do not join in-person gatherings if you are in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19, unless you have been fully vaccinated. People who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms. According to CDC guidance, fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.
Face Coverings – Because vaccines are easily accessible in our area for those 12 and older, those who choose to be vaccinated have had the opportunity to do so. With this in mind, we do not have mask requirements for our gatherings at this time. Children under the age of 12 are not able to be vaccinated at this point. While COVID-19 cases in children and adolescents have been increasing in number due to the delta variant, the severity has not increased for children. With this in mind, we will not be requiring masks for children’s activities.
While we are not making a mask requirement for in-person gatherings, we want people to feel free to wear a mask as we gather together.
We encourage everyone to be loving and respectful to those around you and honor their personal decisions about how to respond to COVID. Please be considerate and stay socially distanced as you relate with each other until you can ask what feels comfortable to the person you are relating with.
Social Distancing We will continue to keep chairs distanced in the sanctuary for our worship gatherings. The delta variant has created another surge in infection, so we want to continue to be mindful of ways to help reduce the spread of any possible infection.
Smaller group gatherings and programs inside the church building
Please make reservations with the church office if you would like to hold a gathering inside the building to determine availability and the appropriate room size for your group. Please follow the above guidelines when meeting inside the church building in smaller group settings.
As smaller groups meet together, we encourage you to have conversations with those present to discern together what is wise for all gathered in regards to wearing masks and social distancing. It is important to honor others by talking about everyone’s needs in the gathered group.