Stay Safe Practices

Important Notice regarding COVID-19: Columbus Christian Center has implemented the following Stay Safe practices to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

Most of these practices were adopted from the CDC and our local and state government.

Note: When the CDC and government outlined this guidance, it was not intended to infringe on rights protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or any other federal law, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA). The federal government may not prescribe standards for interactions of faith communities in houses of worship, and in accordance with the First Amendment, no faith community should be asked to adopt any mitigation strategies that are more stringent than the mitigation strategies asked of similarly situated entities or activities.

Stay Safe Practices

PROMOTE HEALTHY HYGIENE PRACTICES

• Staff and congregants are encouraged to maintain good hand hygiene, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Adequate supplies are available to support healthy hygiene behaviors, including but not limited to soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol (for those who can safely use hand sanitizer), disinfectant, gloves, and wipes.
• Staff and congregants are encouraged to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of their elbow.
• Signs are posted throughout the facility for 6 ft. distancing and handwashing.

FACIAL COVERINGS

• Facial coverings permitted.
• Staff is encouraged to wear facial coverings outside of their office or when other staff or visitors are in close proximity.
• Note: Facial coverings are not worn by children under 3 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, and anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

INTENSIFIED CLEANING, DISINFECTION, AND VENTILATION

• Frequently touched surfaces are disinfected at least once daily and shared objects in between uses.
• Multiple services are scheduled far enough apart to allow for disinfecting high-touch surfaces between services.
• Drinking fountains are not currently available for use.

PROMOTE PHYSICAL DISTANCING

• Steps have been taken to limit the size of worship services/gatherings.
• Physical distancing at services/gatherings is promoted to lessen risk.
• Services and gatherings are held in large, well-ventilated area and/or outdoors.
• Registration processes are in place to limit the size of gathering.
• Virtual opportunities to participate in service are available through streaming.
• Physical guides such as tape on floors/ walkways, signs on walls and tape on chairs are present to promote 6 ft distancing.

STEPS TAKEN TO MINIMIZE SHARING OF WORSHIP MATERIALS AND OTHER ITEMS

• Sharing of print materials and other items is limited. Congregants are encouraged to bring their own bibles; Technology or photocopying are used to limit shared items.
• Financial offerings and communion are very low touch. Containers are not passed by congregants. Giving is encouraged electronically.
• If food is offered at any event, it is generally pre-packaged.

NURSERY/CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

• During our main worship services/gatherings, nursery/children remain with their parents/guardians. When it is deemed safe to do so, nursery/children will resume ministry in separate areas.
• Virtual opportunities are in place for fun, growth, encouragement, and community.

PRECAUTIONS FOR THOSE ENTERING THE FACILITY

• Staff and congregants who are sick or have had close contact with a person with COVID-19 are encouraged to stay home.
• Those who have compromised immune systems are encouraged to worship from home.