Comprehensive COVID Plan

Comprehensive COVID-19 Exposure Control, Mitigation, and Recovery Plan

Otis Orchards Seventh-day Adventist Church

6/15/20 – Date Adopted by Church Board; 7/16/20- Date Amended by Church Board- Addition of Outdoor Children's Sabbath School; 8/17/20- Date Amended by Church Board- Addition of Adult Sabbath School in Fellowship Hall; 8/14/20- Date Amended by Church Board- Moved Worship Service/Adult Sabbath School into Sanctuary and moved Children’s Sabbath School into Fellowship Hall; 11/9/20- Date Amended by Church Board- Addition of Spanish language Sabbath School class which will meet in the Youth Room and the addition of another Children Sabbath School class in the Fellowship Hall; 3/24/21- Date Amended- Updated to reflect new Phase 3 restrictions.; 4/11/21- Date Amended by Church Board- Addition of Young Adult class in the Board Room; 6/13/21- Date Amended by Church Board- As of July 3rd face coverings will be optional but recommended for all but social distancing protocol are still in place as long as there is no mask mandate in the State of Washington. 

The health and safety of our members is a priority for our church. This plan puts measures in place to protect the health of our members and staff and is in compliance with current guidelines issued by the state of Washington for in-person worship services during Phase 3 of re-opening.

A COVID-19 supervisor will be designated and present during worship services each week to monitor and enforce the COVID-19 safety plan.

COVID-19 safety information and requirements are visibly posted in the church. COVID-19 safety training is available online and all staff, members, and visitors are encouraged to view the training prior to attending worship services [training will be available at https://www.otisorchardssda.org/covid-training].  Those at high-risk for COVID-19 are encouraged to participate in the online worship service rather than attending in person.

General Information

All members, guests, and staff must self-screen for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 before arriving at the worship service location. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, with symptoms of COVID-19, or has been asked to self-quarantine because of known exposure to COVID-19 is not permitted to attend the service.

Location of Service

For our reopening we will be having our main service in the Sanctuary.

Church Service: Outline of Program

9:45 – 11:00am – Sabbath School.

We are currently offering four Sabbath School Classes. One for Children which is held in the Fellowship Hall and follows all guidelines. The second is for Adults in the Sanctuary where all guidelines are observed. And a Third for Young adult in the Board Room where all guidelines are observed.

11:00 – 12:00pm – Church Service.

This consist of welcome & announcements, opening prayer, song service, praise and prayer time, intercessory prayer, Children’s story, message, closing prayer, dismissal.

Potlucks

We have resumed our monthly Potlucks on the 2nd Sabbath of the month in modified form of Sack lunches provided by each individual for themselves and their family.

When You Arrive

Physical distancing of a six-foot radius will be maintained by individuals or family groups consisting of members of the same household. Mask wearing is optional  

For Everyone’s Protection

Face coverings are optional for all.

Brief physical contact may be permitted among a limited number of people (up to 15 individuals) if it is a critical component to the organization’s religious service so long as face coverings are worn and hands are sanitized immediately before and after the contact.

Offerings will be collected at the main door of the church. No offering plate is passed.

Equipment will be used by only one person during a worship service. This includes microphones, pianos, organs, and other items normally passed between participants. Equipment will be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer with greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol is available at the outside doors, the sanctuary entrance, and the deacon’s desk. Tissues and trashcans are available in the same locations.

Restrooms

Restrooms are open.  Signs are posted in the restrooms reminding people to wash their hands and displaying correct handwashing technique. Disinfectants are also available in each restroom.

Facility Cleaning and Disinfection

The church will be cleaned and disinfected by the church janitor after each worship service. There will be a special focus on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and crash bars, restrooms, equipment, and tables. Disinfectants used will include one of the following: Common EPA-registered household disinfectant, alcohol solution with at least 60% alcohol, or a diluted household bleach solution. Disinfectants are available at the deacon’s desk for use on high-touch surfaces during the worship services.

After The Worship Service

Attendees are asked to keep track of their attendance at in-person worship services on their own calendar. All members and regular guests will be notified if an individual attending worship services is diagnosed with COVID-19. This notice will include the date of potential exposure. Privacy of the individual will be maintained. Those attending services where potential exposure occurred will be asked to self-quarantine until cleared by a health care professional.

Participation

Each person is not obligated to attend church if he/she does feel safe to be attending church for health reasons or for other personal reasons.  If you hold a leadership position(s) at the church and don’t feel safe attending church, you are not obligated to fulfill that/those commitment(s) as we begin reopening.  Please let your ministry coordinator know of your concern(s) if you are contacted by them.

Livestreaming

We currently provide live stream services available for those that who would like to have the option of watching the service from home.  For more information visit: www.otisorchardssda.org