COVID-19 Considerations at City of Refuge COGIC

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Here at The City we are following guidelines on how to best practice our beliefs while keeping the congregation and staff safe. Gathering together for worship is at the heart of what it means to be a community of faith but we also understand that gatherings present a risk for increasing the spread of COVID-19 during this Public Health Emergency. The following practices are in place as we reconvene to prevent expansion of and exposure to COVID-19:

• Encourage staff and congregants to maintain good hand hygiene, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Also use hand sanitizer.
• Encourage staff and congregants to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of their elbow. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands washed.
• Sanitize all areas after each service.

• Although masks are not required, we encourage their use amongst staff and congregants. Masks are essential when social distancing is difficult.

• Take steps to limit the size of gatherings in accordance with the guidance and directives of state and local authorities. 
• Promote social distancing at services and other gatherings, ensuring that clergy, staff, choir, volunteers and attendees at the services follow social distancing, as circumstances and faith traditions allow, to lessen their risk. This includes remaining at least 6 feet apart in lines and at other times

• Limiting the sharing of frequently touched objects, such as worship aids, hymnals, religious texts and other bulletins, books, or other items passed or shared among congregants.
• Modify the methods used to receive financial contributions. 
• Physical contact (e.g., shaking hands, hugging, or kissing) should be limited. 
• If  food is offered at any event, we avoid buffet or family-style meals if  possible.

• Encourage staff or congregants who are sick or who have had close contact with a person with COVID-19 to stay home. 
• Advise those with exposure to a person diagnosed with COVID-19 to stay home and self monitor for symptoms, and follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.
• Advise staff and congregants with symptoms of COVID-19 or who have tested positive for COVID-19 not to return to the facility until they have met CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation.

By attending City of Refuge COGIC (the “Ministry”), you acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that you and your family may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19. You also acknowledge that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of yourself and/or others, including, but not limited to, Ministry employees, contractors, volunteers, members, and participants and their families. You agree to assume all the foregoing risks, waive liability against the Ministry and any other listed parties, and accept sole responsibility for any illness, injury, disability, or death to you or your family, including all claims that may arise resulting from any of these.