Amendments to our congregation’s Covid policy are reviewed by both staff and the Board of Trustees with the help of the data available to us, and guided by our values of inclusion, justice, and equity for those most at risk.

As Covid is an airborne disease, we recognize that singing, particularly in groups or crowds,  presents a far higher risk of spread than other activities. We also recognize that there is both need and longing for music, song, and audible speaking both in the sanctuary and beyond. The availability of rapid testing in conjunction with our existing precautionary measures makes the addition of these things to our services feasible.

We are monitoring risk to our community based on two metrics: case numbers and hospitalizations as reflected on CovidActNow, and NYS Wastewater Surveillance Network’s data for Onondaga County. Both these data points together allow us to identify times at which precautions may be lifted.

Why are we changing which data we use – CovidActNow’s numbers are based on availability of PCR tests, which does not reflect actual community spread. Based on our principles and values of radical hospitality, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our most vulnerable members to the greatest extent possible, and focusing on wastewater numbers and trends in addition to CovidActNow will allow us to do this better.

All risk Levels:

• Worship services can be indoor in-person; no capacity limit.
• N95/KN95 or KF94 masks must be worn covering both mouth and nose except where explicitly stated otherwise. Even in an outdoor setting, masks are highly encouraged.
• Ventilation and air purifiers will be increased in any gathering room.
• Vaccination against Covid is advised for everyone able to receive the vaccine including the booster for those who are eligible to receive it.
• Social distancing is encouraged.  Consent should be obtained when distancing is not possible.
• The church has a supply of rapid tests that you are welcome to use prior to any event (even when not required!!) or for personal use.
• The church has a supply of N95/KN95, or KF94 masks that may be used for while at events or for personal use.

Preparing for Services & Events:

• Air purifiers must be running
• Check both CovidActNow (CAN) and https://mbcolli.shinyapps.io/SARS2EWSP/# (Wastewater Monitoring) on Thursday night for most current information prior to worship services

Worship Leading/Speaking – At all levels

If an individual worship leader or worship associate has rapid tested negative just prior to a service or event, they may choose to remove their mask when speaking from the chancel, one unmasked person at a time.

Singing

Orange CAN + red wastewater – Singing not allowed in building

Yellow or green CAN + any wastewater level – Masked, tested performers allowed on chancel. All in the congregation may hum masked

Green CAN + orange wastewater – All in the congregation may sing masked

Green CAN + purple wastewater for two weeks – No Restrictions

Indoor Coffee Hour / Eating & Drinking Indoors During Service Times (9am-1pm Sundays)

Green CAN + all six wastewater facilities in Onondaga County at orange and decreasing – indoor coffee hour with eating and drinking is allowed

Indoor Eating & Drinking Outside of Service Times

Orange CAN – no indoor eating and drinking.

Yellow CAN – Indoor eating and drinking events are subject to board approval. An event specific plan for risk mitigation will be necessary.

Green CAN – Indoor eating and drinking permitted with the following requirements:

• Indoor eating and drinking is permitted. N95/KN95 or KF94 masks must be worn covering both mouth and nose when not eating or drinking.
• All notices for the gathering/event must clearly indicate that indoor eating and drinking will be involved so that individuals may make an informed decision on attendance, and have the option to consent or not to that risk level.
• Rapid testing within an hour prior to arrival or immediately after arrival is REQUIRED. Masks must be worn/you may not start eating and drinking until your rapid test is finished processing.
• Air flow must be maintained such as turning on the air purifiers in the fellowship hall, opening windows and doors, and running fans.