Regathering Guidelines & Policies
Here are the procedures and guidelines we are putting in place to keep everyone safe as we plan to regather beginning on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at 11:00am:
In an effort to reduce the risk of transmission and infection of COVID-19 within the organization, Signs and Wonders Ministries is taking the following steps as recommended by the CDC.
1. Infection prevention and control guidelines and training for volunteers:
Facility leadership has reviewed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 guidance.
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/get-the-latest-guidance/faith-based-organizations/
Education and role-specific training will be provided to volunteers regarding COVID-19 including:
§ Signs and symptoms of infection.
§ Designated volunteers will be trained on screening protocol to include temperature checks, travel screenings, and signs and symptoms of infection.
§ Correct infection control practices and personal protective equipment (PPE).
§ Proper donning and doffing procedures for PPE. Proper disposal of soiled PPE.
§ Reinforcement of proper hand hygiene techniques.
§ Review educational topics for infection control to include hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing etiquette, personal boundaries, and proper disposal of personal hygiene items for the congregation as needed.
2. Movement of members suspected COVID-19 within the facility:
§ Members who report to church with any positive signs or symptoms of infection deemed by the healthcare team will be assessed and gingerly sent for testing immediately.
Local health officials will be notified if a member or visitor is diagnosed with COVID-19 who has been in the facility and communicate with staff and congregants about potential exposure while maintaining confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) external icon or other applicable laws and in accordance with religious practices.
3. Hand hygiene
§ Hand hygiene supplies, including alcohol-based hand sanitizer are readily accessible in general population areas.
§ Congregants will be educated on and encouraged to maintain good hand hygiene, washing hands with hot soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can also be used. Utilize hand hygiene before eating food or after touching any common surfaces like hand railings, payment kiosks, door handles, and toilets.
4. Environmental cleaning:
§ Proper cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the church will be conducted by volunteers and the leadership team.
§ All shared or non-dedicated equipment is cleaned and disinfected after use according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
§ If there are no available, EPA-registered products that have an approved emerging viral pathogen claim for COVID-19, products with label claims against human coronaviruses will be used according to label instructions.
5. Public access and movement within the facility:
We will continue to take these steps to reduce the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19:
§ Any members with a weakened or compromised immune system are recommended to wear a mask that completely covers the nose and mouth areas correctly and consistently. (Masks should not be placed on children younger than 2 years old).
Ask members who are not feeling well to remain home.
Unvaccinated members/visitors must stay at least 6 feet away from others.
When visitors arrive, we will strive to minimize activities that promote close contact.
Unvaccinated members/visitors will be educated on the benefits of the vaccine.
We will temporarily limit the sharing of frequently touched objects, such as worship aids, hymnals, religious texts and other bulletins, books, or other items passed or shared among congregants. We will encourage congregants to bring their own such items, if possible, or photocopying or projecting prayers, songs, and texts using electronic means.
Modify the methods used to receive financial contributions. Consider a stationary collection box, the main or electronic methods of collection regular financial contributions instead of shared collection trays or baskets.
Regathering Guidelines
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