OCCUMC Covid-19 Recommendations

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Fulfilling our task to develop a metric for safer practices within our church and to find the right balance we propose the following guidelines. In times of great difficulty, Christians are called to return to deeply-held values and practices; Living in and for community, (1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 13:20-21) . 

OCCUMC uses www.covidactnow@org as the source recommended by the Wisconsin Council of Churches. The status will be adjusted as necessary on a monthly basis upon review of county-level data. 

Data Source: Covid Act Now

Data Location: Milwaukee

Data duration: 7-day average

Parameter: Percentage of positive covid 19 tests

Status check day: 2nd Sunday of the month

  Behavior/Parameter              Unsafe                  Safer                   Safest        

  Mask Wearing                       Required       Not Required       Not Required

  Distancing                                 6 feet               3 - 6 feet           Not Required 

  Singing                                           No                    Yes                        Yes

  Fellowship/Eating/Drinking      No                     Yes                        Yes

  % positive covid tests                 > 10%                 10-5%                   <  5% 

Protocol implementation: 1st Sunday of the month. 

While there is a no-risk free approach to gathering we recommend getting the vaccination as the safest method to combating Covid-19.  The Task Force will continue to monitor the daily cases and will make changes as needed. We respect your decision if you feel you need to stay home and attend services virtually. Whatever makes you feel safe should be practiced. 

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MARCH 2022 Review results:    Positive Covid Tests have decreased to under 6 % the last several weeks and continue to drop so on March 6th, the following procedures will be followed:     1. Masks are not required    2. 3-6-ft. social distancing    3. Greeters will once again be present   4. Coats may be hung up in the coat racks   5. Programs/Bulletins will be in the pews  6. Singing is allowed    7. Fellowship/In-Person gatherings will be allowed   

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