Covid-19 Safety Guidelines

As of May 1, 2022

  • Church Access
    • The church building is accessible by appointment or for scheduled activities.
    • All activities are scheduled by submitting an application form to the church office (contact the church office for forms).
    • In-person activities should not be attended by those who have tested positive with the virus that causes Covid-19 within the last five days or for whom any of these are true:
      • You are experiencing any symptoms such as fever (100 degrees F and above) or chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, headache, muscle/body aches, runny nose/congestion, new loss of taste or smell, or nausea, vomiting or diarrhea;
      • You have had “close contact” with an individual diagnosed with Covid-19 within the last five days, unless you are either vaccinated or have had confirmed Covid-19 within the past 90 days. “Close contact” means living in the same household as a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, caring for a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, being within six feet of a person who has tested positive for Covid-19 for 15 minutes or more, or coming in direct contact with secretions (e.g., sharing utensils, being coughed on) from a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, while that person was symptomatic;
      • Or you have been asked to self-isolate or quarantine by your doctor or a local public health official.
  • Face Coverings
    • The wearing of face coverings is optional for all over the age of two.
    • Children under the age of two should not wear a face covering.
    • Those who more at risk of severe Covid-19 illness due to being immunocompromised or not being up to date on their Covid-19 vaccines may want to wear an appropriate face covering (N95, K95, or KF94 masks offer the most protection) whenever indoors.
    • Following CDC guidelines, a face covering should be worn by those who are:
      • in days 6-10 from the onset of Covid-19 symptoms
      • in days 1-10 from last “close contact” with an individual diagnosed with Covid-19
  • Social Distancing
    • Those who are not up to date on their Covid-19 vaccines or who are greater risk of developing severe illness may want to stay at least six feet away from people not living in their own household.
  • Contact Tracing
    • Activity leaders must keep records of all participants’ names and contact information.
    • Anyone diagnosed with Covid-19 within 14 days of participating in an activity at the church or an activity leader becoming aware of a participant’s illness must notify the church office immediately.
  • Ventilation and Air Filtration
    • Fresh or HEPA-filtered air will be introduced into all interior spaces while in use.
    • Indoor spaces may get cold or hot depending upon the weather.
    • Weather-appropriate clothing should be worn by all participants.
  • Cleaning
    • All indoor spaces will be cleaned and/or disinfected as needed after each activity.
  • Sanctuary Usage
    • Activities are limited to 135 participants.
    • Participants are encouraged to sign up for activities ahead of time. Walk-in attendees will sign in upon entry.
    • Participants should enter through Door 10, located at the back of the Sanctuary, closest to Main Street.
    • Participants requiring the ramp for access may enter and depart through the Chapel door.
    • A greeter will check in participants and direct them to use hand sanitizer and pick up bulletins or other items (pre-packaged communion sets, etc.) on their way into the Sanctuary.
    • The passing of offering plates, communion elements, or other items is not allowed.
  • Fellowship Hall Usage
    • Activities in Fellowship Hall are limited to 80 participants.
    • Children’s activities are encouraged to take place either outside or in Fellowship Hall.
  • Youth Room Usage
    • For childcare during worship services:
    • The Youth Room is available for childcare for up to 12 participants, with each group providing its own clean toys, cribs, etc. and removing these after each activity.
    • Childcare activities must follow the current health and safety guidance of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
    • Other activities in the Youth Room are limited to 12 participants.
  • Counting Room Usage
    • Activities in the Counting Room are limited to 9 participants.
  • Chapel Usage
    • Music rehearsals in the chapel may include up to 40 participants.
    • Other activities in the Chapel are limited to 15 participants.
  • Parlor Usage
    • Activities in the Parlor are limited to 12 participants.
  • Kitchen Usage
    • Activities in the Kitchen are limited to 12 participants.
    • Only individuals who are up to date on their Covid-19 vaccines may prepare and/or serve food from the Kitchen.
    • Preparation and/or service of food will follow the Food Service Guidelines (below) and the additional Kitchen Use Guidelines that will be provided from the office if the request to use the kitchen is approved.
  • Restroom Usage
    • The restrooms on the lower level are available for use.
    • Those using restrooms must wash their hands thoroughly before leaving.
  • Food Service Guidelines
    • Food service plans must be pre-approved by the church’s ServSafe Manager.
    • Plans may include:
      • Coffee and tea service using individually-packaged creamers, sweeteners, etc.
      • Individually-packaged drinks (e.g., water bottles, juice boxes, soda cans, etc.)
      • Individually-wrapped or pre-packaged food
    • No food may be prepared on site during this Phase other than meals for the Community Dinner program, which must be prepared under the supervision of the church’s ServSafe Manager.