Port Williams United Baptist Church

Policy Regarding Phase 5 Regulations

It is expected that Phase 5 – announced to begin October 4 - will reduce regulations. In this light, the Covid Re-Opening Committee is suggesting the following policy that benefits from reduced restrictions but also maintains caution while the COVID virus is still active in our province.  

• Sanitation. We will continue to offer hand sanitization. and assure sanitization of church facilities.

• Masks: We will continue to follow our current masking practice.

• Social distancing: In the sanctuary we will open all pews for seating and not require social distancing. Chairs at the back will be "distanced." Lockwood Hall will be maintained as it is for those who would feel more comfortable in a socially-distanced space.

• Singing: Congregational singing while masked, will be part of worship.

• Contact tracing: A record of attendees will not be kept.

• Vaccinations: We will not require proof of vaccinations. This is one reason the masking mandate will be kept in place. (It looks like Phase 5 will contain masking rules.)

• Passing of communion elements and collection plates. We will maintain our current policy of passing nothing between worshippers.

• Funerals and Receptions. It is expected that in Phase 5 proof of full vaccination will be required of any attending funerals or receptions in any part of the church.

If the actual regulations under Phase 5, when announced, are different than we expect, we may adjust our policies to comply with provincial rules. As we become more comfortable with the level of infection in our province, we will review our policies.

Covid Re-Opening Committee

John Churchill, Chair