2021 COVID Safety Protocols

Last updated: September 28, 2021
For questions and more detail, please consult the Great Hall Fall 2021 Frequently Asked Questions.
For information about attending in-person services, please visit our In-Person Services Information.

Metrics for Being in Person

COVIDRiskLevelGraphic

Meetings will proceed in-person as long as the risk level is below Severe Risk, as determined by COVID Act Now. If the risk level in Hampshire County reaches Severe Risk, all in-person (indoor and outdoor) gatherings will be suspended. If the level is between Medium and Very High Risk, attendance will be extremely limited and the RE Program will be mainly outdoors.

USNF will offer masks for anyone who shows up without one. We will have plenty of hand sanitizer available.

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.

UUA Guidance
We are informed by guidance from the UUA, in addition to CDC recommendations and guidelines from other health authorities.
August UUA Guidance: https://www.uua.org/leadership/library/delta-guidance

CONGREGATIONAL CAPACITY FOR SUNDAY SERVICES

Determined by 6’ social distancing recommendation.

Hampshire County Risk Level	Congregational Capacity	RE Program	Social Room	Parlor
Severe Risk	Zoom service Only essential service participants in Great Hall	no	no	no
Very High Risk	50	yes	no	no
High Risk	50	yes	20	11
Medium Risk	50	yes	20	11
Low Risk	TBD	yes	TBD	TBD

Consideration	Protocols
Masks	Masks/cloth face coverings are essential components of preventing the spread of coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses. Everyone is asked to wear their own clean, well-fitted masks for all indoor and outdoor gatherings. For added safety, consider double masking. Disposable masks will be provided at the door. 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 and 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. Masks or cloth face coverings 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
Numbers	Based on room size and building code recommendations, subject to change. Ensure that there is enough space for distancing. (See chart above).
Physical Distancing	At least 6 ft apart per UUA and CDC guidance. Each pew will be available for one pod or family group or two individuals and every other row will be blocked off.
Plate Collection	A plate will not be passed. We welcome donations online through our website until further notice.
Singing	Up to 4 volunteers will sing each week, with specialized singing masks and spaced at least 10 ft from others. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you’re interested in singing. Congregational singing is strongly discouraged.
Social Hour	Social hour will be suspended until further notice. Indoor social interactions are discouraged. 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	Everybody attending will be asked to sign in with contact information in case we need to do contact tracing.
Guidance about when not to attend	Symptoms - Take temperature everyday and monitor for 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 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 for anyone able to. 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