The board approved the below listed guidelines at their March meeting. They were developed by the Medical Advisory Team and presented directly to the board. The guidelines reflect a combination of UU principles, CDC protocols, current community transmission rates and the desire expressed by many congregants to gather in person and community. Currently our community transmission rates are low and these guidelines reflect the current situation. We recognize that transmission rates and virus variants will rise and fall and these guidelines may alter as needed. The Medical Advisory Team will continue to advise the Board of any significant changes to COVID levels within the community, and the Board will adjust guidelines as needed or share that information with the WUU community so that Congregants can determine their own risk tolerance. The WUU will follow all CDC/Virginia Department of Health guidelines and recommendations related to the pandemic.
The WUU “Living with a Pandemic” guidelines are as follows:
In order to provide a meaningful congregational experience, the WUU Board adopts the following guidelines related to living with a pandemic:
- Hybrid services will continue to serve as an accommodation to those who cannot be with us in person.
- The wearing of masks and will be optional both inside and outside the building and will be based upon congregants and parents determining their own, or their children’s, risk tolerance.
- Guests holding meetings on campus will determine their own pandemic guidelines.
- Masks are still required for singing. The Medical Advisory Team will monitor CDC protocols regarding this issue and adjust if recommended.
- Vaccinations are strongly encouraged for those eligible but not required.
- Food and beverages may be served and consumed anywhere in the building and on campus.
- Religious Education will continue outside for the present time; however, children, vaccinated or not are welcome at Sunday services.
Pandemic questions and comments can be sent to boardsecretary@wuu.org.
Revised Guidelines prepared by The Medical Advisory Team (Dr. Camilla Buchanan, Dr. Susan Marcinkus, and Dr. Deb Fabian) and Kerry Mellette, Board liaison.