Positive COVID Exposure + Plans for Groups and Gatherings
Church –
We learned this evening that two individuals in our church family tested positive for COVID-19. They are showing only mild symptoms so we thank God, but please be praying for their healing and peace. Both were in attendance at our Sunday worship gathering and at the Christmas party on Sunday evening (December 12th). They tested positive on Monday, December 13th and Tuesday, December 14th..
What’s this mean for those of us who were in attendance Sunday morning and/or evening?
Well, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines a close contact as being “within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period with someone who has COVID-19, unless you have been fully vaccinated.”
Determining close contact during our Sunday gathering is difficult to determine with expediency and accuracy. Therefore we suggest those who were in attendance on Sunday follow the guidance below which correspond with your vaccination status.
During our Christmas party many of us were not only within 6 feet of one another, but also intermittently unmasked at our tables. Additionally children were present, most of whom are not yet fully vaccinated. Therefore our recommendations are more clear for those in attendance at the party. Any unvaccinated individual in attendance should consider themselves close contacts. Any fully vaccinated individuals in attendance are not considered close contacts. However, both should follow the CDC’s guidance outlined below.
Please let us know if and when you test positive for COVID-19.
What’s this mean for groups and gatherings?
Out of an abundance of caution we’re asking all groups to meet online until Monday, December 27th. This will allow for the full fourteen-day period for testing and appropriate quarantine times regardless of vaccination status.
Additionally, we will not meet in-person on Sunday, December 19th, Christmas Eve, or on Sunday, December 26th. We’ll gather online. More information will be available soon. Our next in-person gathering will be on Sunday, January 2nd.
We have much for which to be grateful. To be sure this pandemic has not left us unaffected, but in God’s kindness this is the first known exposure we’ve had since regathering in March. We also rejoice that these individuals are doing well. Let’s continue to be thoughtful, prayerful, hopeful, and faithful to God during this harrowing season.
Much love,
Your Elders and Deacons
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Unvaccinated (per CDC’s Guidance):
Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
Watch for fever (100.4 ℉), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
If possible, stay away from people you live with, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
Fully Vaccinated (per CDC’s Guidance):
Wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until a negative test result.
Get tested 5-7 days after close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Get tested and isolate immediately if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
These details as well as further guidance and information can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html
