Covid 19 Building Use and Church Programming Policy
November 16, 2023 Update

This policy is created and approved by the Safe Congregation Response Team, which consists of the Minister, Church Administrator, Director of Faith Formation, President, and Vice President.  It is in effect until modified by the SCRT.  Changes can be made at any time as conditions change, both locally and nationally.

Guidance for when you are sick or have been exposed to Covid 

Please do not come into the church building or to programming if you:

• Are exhibiting symptoms you expect may be Covid-19 (especially fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing)
• Are in isolation because of a positive Covid-19 test, as per CDC Guidelines

Please wear a mask if you come to church and: 

• Are feeling unwell 
• Are recovering from a Covid-19 infection but are no longer in isolation, as per  CDC Guidelines
• Have had a known Covid-19 exposure (see CDC exposure guidance)   

If you test positive for Covid-19 within five days of attending a church program or service, please inform a member of the staff so that we may decide if others need to be notified. We will keep your identity confidential.

Masking Guidance for when you are NOT sick or have NOT been exposed to Covid

When the CDC Hospitalization Level for Hillsborough County is Low or Medium, masks are optional in the building and at church events.

When the CDC Hospitalization Level is High or the SCRT determines that local conditions warrant the measure, masks are required for Sunday morning services. When masks are required in worship:

• Wearing masks in large indoor gatherings is strongly encouraged. 
• Wearing masks may be optional for smaller groups, after the group consents to the change.  

We support everyone who chooses to wear a mask to keep themselves or others safer, regardless of anything else in this policy.

Church groups, after discussion among themselves, may choose more stringent mask requirements for themselves, but may not reduce them. 

Vaccinations

Attendees: We strongly encourage that all in attendance at Sunday services and church programming will be fully up-to-date on their vaccinations, as part of our covenant with each other and in recognition of the medical vulnerability that exists for some members of our congregation.  Our choices as to Covid-19 protections can have a very real impact on those around us, so we ask that everyone please be respectful of others in this regard.

Volunteers:  Anyone volunteering in person at church is strongly encouraged  to be fully vaccinated; we will not be asking for proof, but will trust in your commitment to our covenantal community.

Staff:  All members of the staff are required to be fully up-to-date on their vaccinations and must provide proof of Covid vaccination once per year.

We will also employ the following risk mitigation strategies: 

• Masks & hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building and at all programs 
• Air purifiers will be used in any room where programming is taking place. Doors and windows will be opened to increase airflow when the weather allows. 

Renters/External Groups 

External groups can set their own Covid guidelines for their group. We strongly encourage these groups to: 

• Open windows and doors for ventilation 
• Use the air purifiers that we provide in each space