A new phase has been reached in the COVID-19 virus.

As a spiritual community, we at ERUUF strive to create a culture of respect and care for one another. Our Covid-19 policies have been guided by serious concern and consideration for the safety and well-being of all ERUUF members, staff, and visitors, with a commitment to equity and care for the most vulnerable among us and those who are marginalized both at ERUUF and in the larger community.

We have also been guided by science and the recommendations of the CDC, local public health officials, and our own team of medical experts whose backgrounds include public health, infectious disease, family medicine, and COVID-19 research.

It is with this in mind that effective immediately all activities at ERUUF will be mask optional.
In general, we advise everyone to:

• Remain at home if you or your child is feeling ill, or has a cough, sniffles, or fever. Let us know if there's anything we can do to support you.
• If you become infected with Covid-19, consult with your health provider and CDC guidelines for current information on best practices.
• As you plan meetings and gatherings, be mindful of the inclusion of all group members, especially those with specific health needs.
• Be mindful about greeting each other, staff, and ministers in a large group (wave, bump elbows, give “air hugs”, use fist-bumps, etc); not doing so puts others at risk.
• Continue to give attention to regular handwashing.
• Receive vaccinations and boosters if eligible to do so.

We recognize that Covid-19 exposure continues and the risk of infection continues to have a critical impact for some. We continue to aim to be inclusive and caring for people of all ages and health statuses at ERUUF.

Below are updated guidelines for specific activities at ERUUF:

Worship

• Masks are optional for in-person attendance by congregants and participants.
• All worship participants, choirs, and presenters are not required to wear masks.

Fellowship Hour

• All activities are mask optional.
• We continue to recommend good hygiene practices (hand washing/sanitizing), especially among those responsible for serving beverages or food.

Food Gatherings

• All activities are mask optional.
• We continue to recommend good hygiene practices (hand washing/sanitizing), especially among those responsible for serving beverages or food.

Religious Education for Children and Youth

• All activities and participants are mask optional.

Adult Classes and Group Meetings

• Classes, meetings, and events for adults may take place outdoors or indoors, with masking optional. Please follow our reservation policies for outdoor or indoor space.
• All groups are asked to aim for a consensus about meeting locations and masking that centers the most vulnerable needs named by those in the group.
• When planning in-person classes, meetings, and events we are moving to multi-platform (online and in-person) gatherings that would allow for accessibility and the inclusion of all who want to participate. Reach out to Staff Partners for suggestions on how to support this goal; contact ERUUF's office for training on how to use technology available in our meeting rooms for multi-platform meetings.

Renters for Private Events

• Renters of space at ERUUF for private events may implement their own Covid-19 policy for masking and food at gatherings.
• ERUUF staff working at such events may do what is best for their personal safety and well-being. Staff can refrain from working in situations that they believe will pose a personal health risk.