COVID UPDATE – June 21, 2021
The Pandemic isn’t over…
The news we have all been wanting to hear is that the masks mandate was lifted on May 28th. Don’t put away the mask yet.
Questions and Answers about moving forward.
Do We need to Resubmit a ReEntry Plan?
If your session has submitted a ReEntry Plan in the past, you don’t have to submit an updated plan UNLESS you would like outside eyes to review it and make comments. If you haven’t submitted one we strongly ENCOURAGE you to do in order to have a different set of eyes on it. You can send your ReEntry plans to office@highlandspresbyterynj.org
Can we Sing?
The science is still fuzzy on singing, vaccines and infection. There are studies being done. You can find info on the webpage. There are differing opinions whether to sing and/or with or without masks. My best suggestion is to assume that someone is vulnerable to infection and your session needs to provide guidelines and actions for protecting the most vulnerable.
Another resource is from Sing! The Center for Congregational Singing
What can we do in worship? What is safe?
This is constantly changing. Here are some recent resources.
The PC(USA) Legal Resources office has updated their guidance ( not legal advice) for those resuming in person worship in light of the CDC’s announcement about masks and vaccinated persons.
What about online/virtual worship? What do we do?
This is going to be an ongoing question for all congregations. Do not put aside the cameras, zoom or Wi-fi. The Forum for Theological Exploration has offered a Guide to Gathering Virtually. More conversations will be coming about hybrid and online church.
