Since vaccinations are now available for children ages 5-11, our Church Council voted last week via email to make a series of tiered changes to our COVID protocols.
First, limitations on the number of people who are allowed to attend worship services and other events will be dropped for after Sunday, December 5 in time for this year’s Christmas at First Church concerts held on Saturday, December 11th at 3 pm and Sunday, December 12th at 7 pm. This means attendance limitations will also be dropped for Christmas Eve worship services.
Second, mask restrictions will be removed in the church building following Christmas Eve services. However, masks are strongly encouraged for those who are unvaccinated. Both Keystone Adult Day Program and First Steps Child Development Center are exceptions to this policy—masks will continue to be required in these locations.
Likewise, let us also continue to exercise loving hospitality and common sense by wearing a mask for 14 days after exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or until a negative test result. And remember: fully vaccinated people might continue to choose to mask if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated.
Finally, food and drink restrictions will be lifted on Sunday, January 2. This means that coffee and doughnuts will return to our Welcome Center that morning.