Recommendations for groups – updated 9/6

How can groups love, serve, and pray for one another and others (Rom. 12:9-13) while still being wise and loving (and honoring the authorities – see also Romans 13:1-8) by using strategies like social distancing to try to minimize any health risk we may pose to others?

For the time being, we’re recommending keeping groups small enough that you can meet in person while still following recommended health practices. (Typically ~4-7 adults.)

Here are the health guidelines we’re recommending, both for the good of those in the group and also all those with whom you’ll be interacting after you gather. (Based on CDC protection guidance, the latest DHM and guidance from NE DHHS, and WCDHD Risk Dial guidance).

• Do not attend if you (or anyone in your household):

  • have recently (starting within past 10 days) had any symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever (check before gathering!), cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell, or congestion/runny nose (see CDC illness guidance and symptoms).

  • have any reason to believe you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days (including travel to an area with high activity of the virus), or

  • are in an at-risk group (esp. older adults or those with underlying health conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes).

• Fully disinfect all surfaces before and after your gathering (see CDC’s protection guidance or complete disinfection guidance).

• Maintain 6+ feet of social distance between households and their belongings. This includes avoiding contact such as handshakes and hugs.

• Practice good hygiene:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) upon arrival at the gathering and upon returning home.

  • Either wash hands or make use of hand sanitizer as appropriate during the gathering (see CDC’s handwashing guidance).

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Cover any cough or sneeze with a tissue (and discard immediately) or your sleeve, and wash hands immediately.

• Face coverings strongly recommended for anyone over 2 years old, particularly when social distance may be difficult to maintain (see CDC’s page on cloth face coverings).

• Avoid serving food or drinks if possible. At minimum, any food or drinks should be served individually using disposable products, good hygiene, and social distancing.

Of course, gathering outdoors can be a great idea when it’s feasible (depending on the group’s allergies and other health needs), but especially as we head into fall and winter, it’s probably wise to plan for meeting indoors. So we suggest limiting your group’s size to where you can fit in your indoor gathering space while still following the health guidance above. (Typically ~4-7 adults?) That way, you’re less likely to have things get in the way of your group being able to connect in person (such as bad weather or increased health restrictions or anything like that).

For those who do need to connect digitally: Thankfully, we live in a time and place where we have lots of options for this – from phone calls to text messages to video calls, there are many alternative ways we can maintain connection in order to encourage, motivate, and love one another (Heb. 10:24-25), even at a distance. Want help getting started? See the resources we shared in this previous post.

Questions? Need further guidance or clarification? Please don’t hesitate to contact us!