COVID Safety Protocols

Last updated:  April 20, 2022
For questions and more detail, please consult the Great Hall Frequently Asked Questions.
For information about attending in-person services, please visit our In-Person Services Information.  

Guiding Principles

  • Remaining an inclusive and welcoming multigenerational community  

  • Showing care and compassion

  • Asking for trust that we are working towards decisions based on the best guidance we have at the moment

  • Being transparent when we don't have answers; seeking patience in response

  • Ongoing assessment of community risk data and commitment to adapt our plan as risk increases or decreases.

  • Trying to protect the health and safety of all based on current medical and scientific research, guidance from the CDC, the state of Massachusetts and our unique culture as a faith community. 

  • Engaging in practices that protect the most vulnerable, given that some of us are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19. 

  • Protecting access for all: This means while we introduce in-person gatherings thoughtfully, we also create avenues of engagement online for those who cannot be present in person. 

Consideration

Protocols

Masks

Masks are essential components of preventing the spread of coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses. Everyone is asked to wear clean, well-fitted N95/ KN95 grade masks for all indoor and outdoor gatherings. Masks will be provided at the door if needed.

We ask that everyone acts responsibly in accordance with the safety guidelines for mask wearing described below.  If you notice someone who is not masked appropriately, you are welcome to kindly point it out or ask one of the service leaders to assist if you need help.  If you are unable to wear a mask, please attend our services online by Zoom or Youtube. 

Masks should:

  • Cover the nose and mouth
  • Rest securely and comfortably against the side of the face, without gaps
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops behind the head or ears
  • Research has shown that high-quality well-fitting masks such as the N95 and KN95 are most effective. We recommend this type and will have a supply on hand.  

Plate Collection

A plate will not be passed, but will be out on the chancel. We welcome donations online as well. 

Singing

Congregational singing is permitted if masked and distanced as long as the risk stays low. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you’re interested in singing during a service or as part of the choir.  

Social Hour

Social hour will be suspended until further notice. Folks are welcome to congregate and socialize on the front lawn. 

Bathroom Use

One person in the bathroom at a time. Follow markings for proper social distancing in line.

Food & Drink

Avoid eating inside whenever possible. 

Drink breaks should be taken outside of the Great Hall.

Cleaning & Sanitizing

Sanitizer will be available at all entrances. Please use it.

Contact Tracing

We ask that you inform our office if you learn that you have COVID after attending an in person service by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We will then inform everyone on our contact list, keeping your identity anonymous. 

Guidance about when not to attend

Symptoms - Do not attend if you are experiencing the following symptoms (unrelated to allergies): 

    • Fever or chills (temp of 100℉ or greater) 
    • Cough or sore throat 
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
    • Loss of appetite 
    • Headache 
    • New loss of taste or smell 
    • Muscle aches or pains 
    • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea 
    • Abdominal pain
    • Fatigue
    • Congestion/ Runny nose

Exposure - Please do not attend if you have been exposed to COVID-19, such as being within 6 feet of a person who has tested positive over the past 10 days.  In addition, if you have spent time in a high risk area or a situation where you may have been exposed to an unknown risk, please consider not attending in person.

 

Quarantining

If you have tested positive, have any symptoms or suspect you may have been exposed, please don’t attend in person for at least 10 days. 

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are strongly encouraged.
Vaccinations are required for staff and RE volunteers. Their vaccination records will be on file. 

 

Prior to Attending

Do a wellness check and be ready to certify that you are illness free and have not been exposed to COVID in the past 10 days.
Temperatures must be below 100 degrees F. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

Most common

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath  or difficulty breathing
New loss of taste or smell

Common

Fatigue
Sore throat
Headache
Muscle or body aches
Feeling of pressure in chest
Congestion or runny nose

Less common

Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Rash
Inflammatory conditions