As a spiritual community, we at ERUUF strive to create a culture of respect and care for one another. With the end of mask mandates in most public places, COVID exposure continues. Thankfully, with vaccines and boosters, the health impact on most people can be minimized.
Given the virus's ability to spread so rapidly, and in order to be inclusive and caring for people of all ages and health statuses, on the ERUUF campus masks are required at all indoor gatherings of any size, for all ages until further notice. Masks are encouraged but not required outdoors.
Below are updated guidelines for specific activities at ERUUF:
Worship: Masks are required for in-person attendance by congregants. We have learned that studies indicate that worship leaders, speakers, and music soloists present minimal risk to others in a room the size of our sanctuary. As a result, worship participants in these roles do not need to wear a mask while presenting during services. However, those singing in choirs, choruses, or in groups of two or more participants will continue to wear masks. Soloists will be positioned on the chancel floor farther away from the pews, and an additional HEPA filter will be provided on the chancel as well.
Fellowship Hour: Tabling by ERUUF groups and gathering after Sunday services will continue to take place on the plaza and inside the Fellowship Hall. Masks are required inside the Fellowship Hall. Tabling by ERUUF groups is encouraged to offer opportunities to reconnect as a community.
Effective Sunday, September 18, beverage service, including coffee, can be offered OUTDOORS. Beverage service must be suspended October 19-November 5, when the Fellowship Hall in its entirety is unavailable to the congregation while the Board of Elections uses the space for Early Voting. Beverage service can resume outdoors after November 5th.
The following guidelines continue:
Classes: Masks are required on campus for all indoor gatherings until further notice. Masks are encouraged but not required outdoors at this time.
Food gatherings: No food or beverages may be communally prepared or shared indoors at this time. Individual snacks and drinks are permitted with social distancing. Outdoor food gatherings can proceed with careful planning. Please check with staff for recommendations.
Note that guidelines for masks and food at gatherings apply to ERUUF groups as well as to those renting space.
Be mindful about greeting each other, staff, and ministers at a social distance; not doing so puts others at risk.
We strongly encourage vaccinations and boosters for everyone who’s eligible.
As you plan, be mindful of the inclusion of group members with particular needs.
In future updates to these guidelines, we will continue to monitor public health conditions, and rely on the expertise of ERUUF's public health safety advisors as well as guidance provided by the CDC, NCDHHS, and the UUA.
