March 13, 2020
SAN DIEGO – Dr. William A. Benson, president of San Diego’s Pastors on Point is urging church leaders across the city and county of San Diego to implement best practices for their congregations in response to the Novel Coronavirus (“COVID19”) pandemic, effective this Sunday, March 15, 2020. Specifically, church leaders should consider providing guidance to their congregants similar to the following:
SOCIAL-DISTANCING PROTOCOL: In accordance with applicable regulations, our church has implemented a social-distancing protocol that will allow you to participate in our worship, but also take appropriate precautions.
- Please join us in worship via our online viewing or listening community if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
You are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 – fever, cough or shortness of breath.
You have come into contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
You have a vulnerable immune system.
You have a respiratory ailment.
You have a serious chronic medical condition, including, but not limited to heart disease, diabetes or lung disease.
You are over the age of 65 and are aware that you are susceptible to COVID-19 as a result of your age.
You have traveled to, or through, one of the locations for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice, including China, Iran and Most of Europe, or locations where there has been a sustained community spread.
You have returned from a cruise within the 14-day period immediately preceding the first service or gathering you plan to attend in person. - Congregation-Size Restrictions and Precautions:
We can accommodate no more than 250 congregants per service or gathering.
We will require spacing of at least 6 feet between each congregant, including children.
Our children’s church and Sunday-school classes for children under the age of thirteen have been suspended temporarily.
We have increased the amount of tissues, hand sanitizers and water available.
GIVING: For your convenience and to avoid interruptions to your giving schedule, we have several means by which you can keep your giving up to date, including [customize as necessary]. Additionally, you may mail your contributions (please do not send cash) to: [customize as necessary].
REMINDERS: Common sense goes a long way.
- The CDC and California Department of Public Health recommends the following:
Wash hands with soap and water.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
Following guidance from public health officials.
Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself. - Remain up-to-date with the latest church developments
Text alert system, [customize as appropriate]
Other social media platforms, [customize as appropriate]
