On Thursday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new COVID recommendations. Fully vaccinated individuals can now go without masks or social distancing in most settings. Based on the CDC’s guidance, North Carolina enacted similar recommendations. The session of Unity met last night to discuss the new recommendations.
Unity’s Updated COVID protocols
1. Masks are not required for the fully vaccinated. (Fully vaccinated is defined as at least two weeks after one’s last dose.)
2. Those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors. This includes congregation members, staff members, choir members, visitors, etc.
3. All volunteers working with children must remain masked and socially distant.
4. There is no capacity limit indoors, but social distancing is still required.
This is a big step in our fight against COVID, one that is possible only because of the effectiveness of the vaccines. If you have not yet been vaccinated and would like help finding an appointment, please contact the church office. We’d love to help you!
FAQs on Unity Guidelines
1. Why do unvaccinated individuals need to continue to wear masks?
Not everyone is able to receive the vaccine. For example, children under 12 are not yet eligible. Those with certain allergies or health conditions also cannot receive it. As a church, we care for all of our members, including those who are most vulnerable to this virus. At this time, the most vulnerable to COVID are those who have not been vaccinated. Requiring unvaccinated individuals to continue to wear masks ensures the maximum amount of safety for those who cannot get the vaccine.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
-Philippians 2:4
2. How can you tell if a person is vaccinated or unvaccinated?
Unity is trusting in the honor and truthfulness of its members and visitors. We are not requiring proof of vaccination. However, we trust that unvaccinated individuals will continue to wear masks in our effort to protect all of our congregation members.
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
-Colossians 3:9-10
3. How long will unvaccinated members have to wear masks?
We will continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and North Carolina. They are closely tracking virus transmission rates in our area. If the virus’s presence continues to decrease, more options will become available to us.
4. If I’m vaccinated, can I still wear a mask?
Of course! Some who are fully vaccinated may still want to wear a mask for a period of time.
Let us be guided by Paul’s statement in Galatians:
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
-Galatians 6:2
This last year has highlighted the need to carry one another’s burdens. As we begin to take concrete steps out of the pandemic, let us continue to do so.
This Sunday is Pentecost. We will spend time exploring the Holy Spirit.
Don’t forget, the Starting Points workshop is now available on our website: https://www.unitypres.org/workshops/.
See you on Sunday!
-Pastor David
