The diocesan COVID-19 Task Force provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the first stage of return to church buildings and clarification of the direction and guidelines provided in the Back to the Buildings document. Please note these are not in any specific order.
Q: Current limits are 25 people (or 25% of space Capacity, whichever is fewer). When can we increase that number?
A: When the number of new cases of Covid-19 in the State of Wisconsin trends down over a two-week period, the Task Force will determine if the number of persons for in-person activities will increase.
This criteria of a two-week trend does not mean we increase immediately. It means it is the point when the Task Force will examine the various factors to determine if moving is warranted. For example, if new cases doubled each week over 4 weeks followed by a slow decrease over 2 weeks, it is unlikely the limit would change because the total number of people with the virus would be much higher than it is today. Another example: if the rate declined over 2 weeks, but the death rate and hospitalization rate increased, these increased might lead the Task Force to decide not to change the 10 person limitation.
- Why two weeks? Many factors impact trends, but based on past numbers, it appears two weeks is a long enough window to see a trend as compared to day to day variations.
- Why Wisconsin (and not counties)? More data results in better reliability. County by county numbers can be helpful for determining hot spots, but not as reliable in determining trends. There are limitations for trend determination from population size and that people don't limit travel and interactions to those only from one county.
This criteria of a two-week trend does not mean we increase immediately. It means it is the point when the Task Force will examine the various factors to determine if moving is warranted. For example, if new cases doubled each week over 4 weeks followed by a slow decrease over 2 weeks, it is unlikely the limit would change because the total number of people with the virus would be much higher than it is today. Another example: if the rate declined over 2 weeks, but the death rate and hospitalization rate increased, these increased might lead the Task Force to decide not to change the 10 person limitation.
Q: Why 25% OF SPACE CAPACITY?
A: The short answer: geometry. 25% of capacity allows social distancing with enough space for movement. Individuals easily observe when someone may be closer than six feet and react accordingly.
Q: THIS IS A FAIRLY LENGTHY DOCUMENT. IS THERE AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP?
A: Certainly! We know every congregation will have to implement these guidelines to the best of their abilities and resources. We recognize that there are many things to consider. Here are the primary focus points for Sunday worship:
- Everyone will wear masks and use hand sanitizer.
- Work out a way to seat household groups at least 6 feet apart.
- If possible, figure out a "one way traffic" pattern for walking around the church.
- No singing.
- Minimize touching, maximize cleaning (hands, items, and building).
Q: We want to gather as best we can, but communion seems too risky. Can we keep doing Morning Prayer?
You can! Morning Prayer is one optiona. Another option is to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word portion of the Holy Eucharist, using the directions found at the bottom of page 405 in the Book of Common Prayer.
Q: Why aren’t we screening people with temperature checks?
A: We are relying on people to stay home if they feel ill in any way, including having a fever. This is one of the best ways to avoid infecting others. It appears that even people who are asymptomatic and afebrile may still be infected and therefore a normal temperature would not exclude the possibility of illness. Wearing masks, social distancing, and hand washing are the best measures we have to reduce risk from asymptomatic carriers of the virus.
Q: Why IS Communion ONLY THE HOST?
A. We are attempting to be responsible to both health concerns and theological concerns. Having people consume the Host with communicants washing hands with sanitizer before and after communing addresses the first concern. Theologically we maintain the symbolism of one bread, one body by having the bread and wine together on the altar during consecration.
Q: Why is only the celebrant to receive the wine?
A. We take the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer seriously in the Diocese of Fond du Lac. But this particular rubric (BCP, p. 407) does not address the realities of pandemic. There is a long tradition of allowing for some flexibility in times of "plague, sweat, or such other like contagious times of sickness or diseases." The Presiding Bishop has been clear that adaptation in this regard is acceptable.
Q: Why is singing not being allowed at services at this time?
A: Singing (and shouting) sends more virus laden particles into the air, compared with talking,
and a mask may not fully prevent this. There have been several episodes of large numbers of
choir members falling ill with COVID-19 after singing with an infected choir member. Singing
together in church may carry the same risk.
and a mask may not fully prevent this. There have been several episodes of large numbers of
choir members falling ill with COVID-19 after singing with an infected choir member. Singing
together in church may carry the same risk.
Q: Why are outside church gatherings being restricted the same way as inside gatherings?
A: Although it is thought that the risk of spreading COVID-19 to nearby people is lower outside than inside, there is still some risk, and uncertainty about how great that risk is. Until more information is available about outside risk, the COVID-19 task force recommended using the same guidance inside and outside.
Q: Why are masks required, rather than being recommended, or left to the individual’s choice?
A: Many new cases of COVID-19 are due to spread of the virus from people who are infected
but have no symptoms of illness. As many as 40% of cases may spread this way. Masks stop
some of the particles in the air we breathe out, and so wearing a mask reduces the chance that
we will unknowingly infect someone else. We wear a mask to protect others in our church
community, not just to protect ourselves.
but have no symptoms of illness. As many as 40% of cases may spread this way. Masks stop
some of the particles in the air we breathe out, and so wearing a mask reduces the chance that
we will unknowingly infect someone else. We wear a mask to protect others in our church
community, not just to protect ourselves.
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Q: Are these instructions only for Sunday morning or are midweek services OK?
A: Yes, midweek services are allowed as long as you follow the guidelines.
Q; Is it safe to use air conditioners or fans during a service (or other gathering)?
A: It is possible for the wind from an air conditioner or fan to move virus laden particles from one person to another, even though they are 6 feet apart. For this reason, the airflow from these units should be directed away from people, and people should avoid sitting close to the units. With these precautions, air conditioners and fans can be safely used. No special filter is needed for air conditioners.