July 29, 2021: Updated COVID-19 Guidance
Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry during COVID-19 (Updated 5/14/21)
Covid-19 News
New Year, New Hope for Rural America in the Fight Against COVID
Rural communities are among the hardest hit as another wave of the pandemic rolls across America and Omicron renews COVID’s assault on the ...
Covid-19 News
"What should have been a science class became a politics class"
A message from Bishop Carter as COVID-19 rages: There is resistance to a vaccine. No blame or shame here, just lament. I care about you.
Covid-19 News
Updated FL Conference COVID Guidance - July 29, 2021
We wrote last week and shared our concerns about the rising COVID-19 cases in Florida. We write again this week because of the continued increase of ...
Covid-19 News
A Message From Bishop Carter About COVID-19
Dear Florida Conference Clergy and Laity: We continue to pray for you as you navigate this season. We had all hoped we would be through this pandemic by now, but we clearly are not. Like you, the conference is monitoring the increase in new Covid-19 cases and the concerns around the Delta ...
Covid-19 News
"I feel like God is going to build something new"
The pandemic forced dramatic changes throughout the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. The result, though, may be stronger and more creative churches as they apply the lessons learned.
Covid-19 News
Grants go to fight COVID-19 in India
A man runs past the burning funeral pyres of people who died from COVID-19, during a mass cremation at a crematorium in New Delhi, India. The escalating crisis in India will be addressed by The United Methodist Church through grants to entities there who have been partners in the past. Photo by ...
|
Frequently Asked Questions
We continue to applaud your efforts to provide ministry on-line and to safely return to in-person activity using the guidelines we have created after discernment with your church leadership. We know every context is different. We will continue to monitor the latest guidance from the CDC. For now, we ask you to continue to practice these essential guidelines for in-person meetings:
- At all times persons must maintain at least six feet of distance between family groups.
- Masks or cloth face coverings are required when any group gathers (except for children under the age of 2).
- Monitor your symptoms. Stay home if you are sick or displaying COVID-19 symptoms. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive should adhere to the CDC guidelines for isolation and quarantine.
- All inside activities must be in well ventilated spaces that allow for persons to maintain at least six feet of distance between family groups. Outside activities are preferred over inside activities.
- Practice frequent washing of hands.
- Wear a mask whenever you encounter others in public.
- Monitor your own symptoms related to health. If you don’t feel well, please stay home.
- Keep a six-foot distance from others.
- Maintain civil and open conversation with others.
Additional resources:
https://umcdmc.org/ministries/deaf-hard-of-hearing/
https://um-insight.net/in-the-world/global-health/online-and-virtual-gatherings-inclusion-for-deaf-and-hard-of/
Links:
CDC Guidelines for Child Care Programs (July 23, 2020)
Schools and Child Care Supplemental Guidance (August 21, 2020)
Child Care Reopening Operational Checklist
Parental Acknowledgement & Disclosure
Employee Acknowledgment & Disclosure
For more information follow the links below.
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/where-can-professionals-who-manage-school-office-and-commercial-buildings-get
https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/resources
Links: Team Member Screening Questions | Employee Acknowledgement & Disclosure
Dear Clergy,
We are praying for you during this season of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is clear that the number of cases continue to rise and the risks associated with the spread of this virus remain very real. We encourage you to continue to monitor the situation in your local context and throughout our state and adjust your plans for ministry accordingly. The Conference Office and your District Superintendent are here to support and resource you as needed.
Some of you have asked what you should do if a staff member, volunteer, or church member tests positive for COVID-19. Our Office of Ministry Protection has prepared this easy resource for you to follow with links to additional documents and guidance. Your District Superintendent can support you in following these protocols. Always remember to carefully protect the identities of infected persons to ensure that health privacy guidelines are maintained. The CDC and your local health department has helpful guidance around isolation and quarantine. OSHA has helpful guidelines around when it involves an employee. All of this and more is linked in this one PDF.
In the last week, we have had a number of churches report cases connected to their preschools, members, staff, and volunteers. We hope this resource helps guide you in your response.
Thank you.