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As we approach the holiday season, this is to confirm current diocesan COVID-19 protocols regarding public worship and group gatherings on church property. This is subject to change on short notice as the situation evolves in the coming weeks.
THE BASICS
• Masks must be worn for all group indoor activities (see guidance for office staff)
• Continued availability and use of hand sanitizer and wipes
• Limit capacity to a maximum of 50% (with respectful distancing), using all available space.
• As per PHO groups of 50 or more meeting in the church buildings for non-worship activities, participants must show proof of vaccination.
The above ensure we meet or exceed the public health order guidelines and apply to all worship services including weddings, funerals and third-party rental activities (with exceptions):
WORSHIP
Unvaccinated individuals over the age of 12 will be asked to participate in worship virtually only for the next few months, while vaccination rates continue to improve, and the threat of the new variant is assessed. People whose home parish does not have an online option are encouraged to participate in the livestreamed services being offered elsewhere, including our cathedral. We will not be checking for proof of vaccination at the doors of Sunday worship and will trust folk to respect these restrictions. The same standards will apply to weddings and funeral services.
- Greeters only at distance
- Outdoor services when and where possible
- Respectful distancing except with family groups or established bubbles
- Sharing of the peace through smiling and nodding
- Communion in one kind
- Singing is permitted outdoors or indoors when all are masked and distanced. Singing must always be approached with caution as it is a high-risk activity.
- Outdoor socialization/coffee hour is permitted with distancing; indoor is not permitted. Participants may bring their own beverages.
Food and beverages
At this point, social activities including but not limited to coffee hours indoors, potlucks, congregational church dinners, tea or meals at bazaars etc are not permitted. Small meals or food service at meetings for groups of no more than ten as per provincial guidelines (committees, Bible studies, training programs etc.) may proceed under the following conditions:
a) All attendees must be double vaccinated
b) No one should attend who is experiencing symptoms of COVID or who have had possible exposure
c) Masks, sanitizing and social distancing for all in attendance
d) Use tables for meals that are large enough to allow spacing of participants
e) All participants should be informed of protocols ahead of time and all must agree and be comfortable with those protocols
f) Bring your own food, or individual meals are the safest. Potluck meals should not occur
g) Masks should only be removed once people are seated.
h) A record of attendance should be kept
Please use safe practice and common sense when planning these events.
THIRD-PARTY USERS
All third-party users of church buildings must have their own safety plan which complies with the most recent provincial health order.
Parishes are welcome to exceed these guidelines as appropriate in their context. Please contact your regional archdeacon if you have questions or concerns.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and support in keeping everyone safe.