ERUUF COVID-19 Updates
December 9, 2021
- Published: Dec 09, 2021 Dec 09, 2021
Omicron, Delta, vaccination rates, the impact of boosters, and more. All of these have caused us to modify our responses to the pandemic, and it can be confusing amid all these changes to know what the objectives are. As always ERUUF continues to follow CDC and NCDHHS safety guidelines, and we ask our team of health care professionals to review all our policy updates.
November 14, 2021
- Published: Nov 11, 2021 Nov 11, 2021
In summary, beginning November 14, the campus will reopen for indoor and outdoor use by groups and classes in accord with public health standards
- the rate of new covid cases in North Carolina is 5% or lower
- more than 50% of the local population has had at least one vaccine dose
If public health conditions deteriorate, we will return to previous restrictions as recommended by CDC, NC DHHS, etc. Click below to read the full Phase Four Reopening Guidelines or download here: 
ERUUF_Phase_4_Reopening_Guidelines.pdf
November 5, 2021
- Published: Nov 04, 2021 Nov 04, 2021
The rate of new covid cases is declining in North Carolina. By CDC measures the rate here is down to “substantial”(less than 5%) from a former “high” level. Our overall levels of those who’ve had one vaccine dose and those who are fully vaccinated have also risen dramatically. For these reasons, after checking with our team of medical professionals, we feel comfortable that we can safely welcome adults back to campus in person beginning Sunday, November 14 for the 11:00 am service with masks and social distancing. Children’s programs will continue as usual.
September 24, 2021
- Published: Sep 23, 2021 Sep 23, 2021
We’ve heard from so many people who’ve shared how discouraged they are this September. We sure get it. We’ve all been sorely disappointed, and emerging information about boosters and breakthrough cases is quite confusing. Right now no one really knows whether this fall’s restrictions will last for six weeks or much longer. So we’re mainly online and outside right now, and we’re committed to opening the Sanctuary and campus to in-person attendance just as soon as it’s safely possible. As we have since day one, we continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC, the state of NC DHHS, and the UUA. In addition, at ERUUF we’re very fortunate to have a team of five health care professionals who review all our safety guidelines every time there’s a change to make sure we’re doing the safest things for everyone in our community.
August 26, 2021
- Published: Aug 26, 2021 Aug 26, 2021
This week the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant has been rapid, and the CDC data show that we’re at “very high risk” in Durham. In light of all this, the CDC, UUA, and others have updated their safety recommendations. We’ve updated ERUUF’s safety policies as of August 29, 2021:
August 20, 2021
- Published: Aug 19, 2021 Aug 19, 2021
This past Monday the Sanctuary was prepared for construction for the new AV project. Lifts are in place, the piano and banners have been stored, and the floor is covered. In light of this, during construction, for as long as covid conditions safely allow, we invite anyone who wishes to attend the service to gather in the Fellowship Hall at 11:00 am to watch the live stream.
We’re offering this in-person worship option in support of the people who've told us how much they really need to be at ERUUF with fellow members. Based on other congregations' experience and extremely low attendance so far at ERUUF, we're not expecting large crowds, which is good because there is no possible overflow seating. This will be the case on Aug. 29, Sept. 5, Sept 12, and possibly Sept. 19 (again, for as long as covid conditions allow us to gather in person).
See the latest covid phased reopening policy here.
August 13, 2021
- Published: Aug 12, 2021 Aug 12, 2021
ERUUF feels like home but it’s actually a public place, and so as always our updated policies are designed for the whole community, which includes people of all ages and health statuses. And together, while we always respect individuality, right now it’s important that we act in ways that protect the good of our spiritual community as a whole. Even more, at ERUUF we care for each not only by following our safety policies but also by honoring the spirit of love, respect, choice, equity, and inclusion at the heart of our life together.
Here are three highlights from our updated policies. You can read the latest policy update in full here.
- At this time the combination of the Delta variant and upcoming Sanctuary construction require a change in plans. Like other institutions that are trying to keep people safe and local hospitals from being overwhelmed, ERUUF will require either proof of vaccination or weekly testing for staff and volunteers who come in contact with the public.
- In-person worship, with clear safety guidelines, for a limited number of adults (social distancing) begins at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, August 15.
- Online worship will continue at 11 a.m., and RE will meet (mainly outdoors) at 9:30 a.m.
August 5, 2021
- Published: Aug 05, 2021 Aug 05, 2021
UPDATE ON PHASED REOPENING
Just when we’d all breathed a sigh of relief and started to practice “getting back to normal” public health conditions worsened yet again. At this time the Delta variant is rapidly spreading, causing significantly impactful illness for people who are unvaccinated. There has been some breakthrough virus even among people who are fully vaccinated, though the incidence is statistically small and the impact mostly has been light. Hospitalization rates are also rising rapidly, mainly for those who are unvaccinated.
In an effort to slow the spread of the Delta variant and keep everyone as safe as possible, effective immediately, all people who attend any indoor events (program, class, group, gathering, worship service, etc) at ERUUF must wear a facemask and practice social distancing at all times.
And stay tuned. Due to the fluid nature of how this variant is unfolding, we can expect that more changes to our safety policies will follow.
June 15, 2021
- Published: Jun 15, 2021 Jun 15, 2021
UPDATE ON PHASED REOPENING
PHASE THREE: In summary, beginning July 1, the campus will begin to reopen for limited indoor and outdoor use by groups and classes in accord with public health standards
- the rate of new covid cases in North Carolina is 5% or lower
- more than 50% of the local population has had at least one vaccine dose
- two of four members of the Coordinating Team are available for immediate consultation as needed; the DRE or substitute staff member will be present for RE programs.
If public health conditions deteriorate, we will return to previous restrictions as recommended by CDC, NC DHHS, etc.
Click on the document linked below to read the fully updated policy, including guidelines for Worship, Programs, and Religious Education.
June 11, 2021
- Published: Jun 10, 2021 Jun 10, 2021
Phased Reopening Guidelines Update
This is a brief update to share ERUUF’s plans for a Phased Reopening of our campus. These June 2021 Guidelines will remain in place until the CDC advises otherwise, and unless new cases of COVID-19 rise and necessitate returning to more restrictive measures of containment.
In general, at ERUUF we always seek to create a culture of respect and care for all. During all remaining phases of reopening, masks will be worn to protect the most vulnerable who are not yet vaccinated
- in worship services
- whenever children are present
- at the discretion of the group during meetings of adults
Beginning July 1, which will give staff time to prepare building space and procedures, ERUUF Groups may meet indoors by making a reservation through the Office. Group leaders will view a very short orientation video and communicate the updated safety rules to the whole group. Group size is limited to 50% capacity in most rooms (admin staff will provide this info). Contact the Office for more information. Food and drink will not be prepared or shared at this time. Adults and children may bring their own hydration and snacks as needed.
In addition, Music Groups with a designated leader may rehearse in the Sanctuary. The Group Leader must view a brief orientation video and communicate updated safety rules to the group. The Group members must wear masks when singing; use the HEPA filter; distance 6’ in all directions. Rehearsals are limited to 75 people in the Sanctuary.
Sunday worship will remain online only in July while our full-time ministers are away. We had previously arranged for a stellar lineup of recorded guest UU preachers from across our religious movement to preach specifically for our congregation; that information will be posted on our website. Summer Worship Leader, Rev. Patty Hanneman, will be here to coordinate and lead Sunday services from our Sanctuary with our Worship Associates, Kate Lewis, and additional recorded music.
Click below to read the full update.
