North Carolina’s COVID-19 numbers are trending in the wrong direction. Our case numbers, hospitalizations, and percent positives are above the summer peaks. With that in mind, it is our strongest recommendation to refrain from in-person gatherings of more than 10 people indoors and 50 outdoors.
1. We recommend refraining from in-person gatherings of more than 10 people indoors and 50 outdoors in accordance with the new recommendations of the NC governor as of November 11.
2. Outdoor gatherings could include drive-in worship. (Parking lot church)
3. We recommend children or youth events of no more than 25 people, outdoors, physically-distanced, and with face coverings.
4. Holy Communion can be celebrated with appropriate protocols, following the physically-distanced 10 indoors and 50 outdoors.
5. We continue to recommend no singing or chanting. Musical activities such as handbells, guitars, violins, etc. are low risk options.
6. We continue to recommend no fellowship meals, coffee hours, or other such events that make physical distancing difficult.
Keep in mind that these were also recommendations for places of worship.
1. Limit in-person worship when possible to mitigate the risk of viral spread. Provide an option for virtual services.
2. In the event of in-person worship, conduct the worship service outside, if possible.
3. It is strongly recommended that all staff and congregants wear a face covering when they may be near (less than 6 feet from) other people.
