As we plan for returning to in-person events at UUCCHC, your board has approved an UUCCHC COVID-19 Safety Policy (below). The Safety Policy includes the requirements regarding masks and use of hand sanitizers during services and small group meetings. Please read this policy as it will be in effect starting immediately. The policy will be posted at entrances, alongside the mask and hand sanitizer stations. This policy is now in place and you will be notified of revisions.
This safety policy was created by the UUCCHC Board of Directors and Minister, with congregational input, to provide guidelines for in-person gatherings in our building. We relied on guidance from the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Centers for Disease Control. Our policy emphasizes the safety and comfort of the whole community over that of the individual. This is a position consistent with UU values of inclusion and consent. Our emphasis on inclusion may mean that these guidelines are stricter than what you are comfortable with in your everyday life, and more restrictive than the CDC guidance.
We ask that everyone that gathers in our building covenant with one another to abide by these guidelines for the sake of community and the safety of all.
- All people at large indoor gatherings (for example: Sunday services, concerts…) will wear masks covering their nose and mouth for the entirety of their time inside our building. This will ensure inclusion for all in our large gatherings. For those that may need to have a beverage during events, they must bring (and return) it from/to home, and make sure to clean up.
- Small indoor gatherings (for example: Chalice Circle, board meetings…) should begin with everyone masked. We recommend the people at such gatherings have a conversation about their collective safety and comfort needs. “Take time to listen deeply to one another’s concerns and fears before making any decisions, even if everyone is vaccinated.” If all the people there consent to it, masks may be removed in small gatherings. No one should ever be pressured or shamed for their needs or choices. Whether and how small gatherings have food or drink should likewise be done by consent.
To minimize waste, we encourage everyone to bring their own masks. UUCCHC will have masks and sanitizer at stations near the entrances. We and everyone shall dispose of masks properly. Your congregational leaders will continue to monitor the public health situation and our congregation’s safety. Future changes to this policy and how we gather may be needed.
The UUA “Guidance for Gathering in Covenantal Community” can be reviewed at the following: https://www.uua.org/leadership/library/masking-guidelines.
Chile http://dnasab.net/c.php The Mask question
A Quick UUCCHC Read (from the University of Maryland School of Public Health): Article: To mask or not to mask?