Following the advice of the CDC, the public health orders of the Town of Brookline, and the requirements of the Diocese of Massachusetts, All Saints encourages everyone to adopt a layered mitigation strategy to reduce the risk of COVID (and other disease) transmission. Below is information on what we are doing and how you can help. We hope you will use this information in making your own risk assessment and deciding when you feel it is safe to participate in in-person church services.
Layer 1—Stay home if you are sick. If you have symptoms, or simply do not feel well, please stay home and watch the livestream service. If you are serving in a particular ministry on Sunday and don’t feel well, please notify the coordinator of that ministry that you will not be there. Notify a staff person if you test positive for COVID, especially if you have been in close contact with others at All Saints within 2 days prior to the onset of symptoms, or the positive test.
Layer 2—Get vaccinated. All staff, altar servers, choir members, and church school teachers are required to be vaccinated. We strongly encourage everyone who is able to be vaccinated to do so as soon as they are eligible. Please also get your annual flu shot!
Layer 3—Wear a mask. While transmission levels remain substantial or high according to the CDC, the town and the diocese both require masks to be worn by everyone over the age of 2 while indoors. It is strongly recommended that you also wear a mask outdoors when you are not able to maintain at least a six foot distance between others.
Layer 4—Maintain distance. We have rearranged the pews in the nave so that it is easier to maintain physical distance between households during the service. Be aware of gathering in groups, especially in indoor rooms for long periods of time. CO2 detectors and air purifiers are available when you are meeting in smaller indoor spaces.
Layer 5—Wash your hands frequently. “Wash in, wash out.” Wash your hands for 20 seconds soon after you enter the building, and again just before you leave. Make use of the abundant hand sanitizer around the building. Use hand sanitizer before and after receiving Communion, before and after shaking hands, etc.
Layer 6—Ventilation. Unless it is very cold, we will keep the windows and doors open to let outside air circulate. Be prepared to bundle up a bit when you attend church.
Layer 7—Continue meeting online. While we revel in being together for special events, many committee meetings can still be conducted via Zoom. Let us know if you need help setting up an online meeting. To have an in-person meeting at the church you will need to reserve space in advance with the office.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/community-mitigation.html
https://www.covidactnow.org/us/metro/boston-cambridge-newton_ma-nh/?s=23341252