The Board of Trustees approved the Reopening Task Force’s recommended guidelines on Aug 18, 2021. As a way to keep the congregation up to date on our reopening status, we will periodically share what the current risk level is in our area as well as a reminder of the current guidelines.
The Board is using data from COVID ActNow to determine our current risk level, specifically the most conservative data based on the Kingsport metro, TN-VA and Johnson City, TN metro areas. According to this resource, our current risk level still is “Very High” (38.7 and 31.3 new cases per 100k daily respectively).
This level falls under the “Severe Risk” guidelines created by the Reopening Task Force, and the guidelines, per guidance from the UUA, are the same regardless of the overall vaccination level of congregants. At this level:
Sunday Services:
No in-person Sunday services
Live Zoom services at 11 a.m. on Sundays (also recorded and posted on the YouTube channel)
Standard precautions are in place:
Mask wearing for all who enter church
Social distance of 6 ft indoors (outdoors, by mutual consent) between “bubbles/pods.”
Frequent hand washing/sanitizing
Taking temperature at door (touchless thermometer)
If not feeling well, congregants stay home
Committees, small groups, and other gatherings are limited to 10 people whether indoors or outdoors.
The kitchen is closed for events and groups.
There is no official religious education, though activities for adults and youth may take place in socially distanced, safe ways on the campus that adhere to the guidelines.
Reopening metrics adopted by HVUUC Board at the recommendation fo the Reopening Task Force.
Background
In developing guidelines, the Reopening Task Force thoughtfully considered guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), TN Department of Health, and Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), as well as applicable laws and regulations.
The UUA’s guidance, as articulated by our president, Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray:
As a faith community, we root our decisions in the values of inclusion and consent.
Follow the science. Remain vigilant and cautious.
Go slow and be flexible.
Be humane and realistic with expectations of ourselves and others. Care and compassion outweigh speed and grandeur.
The Reopening Task Force and the Board are committed to reopening the building for in-person services when metrics show it is safe for HVUUC members, staff, and friends.
Last of all
The reopening plan and supporting materials are available under the “Reopening Tab.” The various documents include much more information, so we recommend that you look at the full Reopening Plan for more information.