Updated March 2021
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, almost all WUU events are still happening online via Zoom. But small outdoor in-person gatherings on campus can help meet our needs for connection and community. To help the WUU community successfully plan safe and accessible in-person events in these times, WUU’s minister and Board of Directors offer these guidelines for the use of the WUU campus during the pandemic. They will be updated as circumstances change.
Outdoor gatherings:
At this time, outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people are permitted if they comply with the following requirements:
- Organizers must designate an event host, who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all requirements.
- All outdoor gatherings must be scheduled in advance, and only one will be permitted at a time. Gatherings of up to 25 people may be scheduled by contacting Rachel McCabe at office@wuu.org.
- All participants must be screened upon arrival using the following questions:
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- In the past 48 hours, have you had fever, cough, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or new loss of smell/taste?
- In the past 48 hours, have you been exposed to, or in close contact with, anyone with Covid-19?
Anyone who answers yes to either question cannot participate in the event.
- All participants must practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet.
- All participants must wear masks, except when consuming food or beverages.
- Food must not be shared and participants must provide their own containers, taking them and any trash with them when they depart.
- There will be no access to the building, except in case of an emergency.
If you have an idea for an outdoor gathering that would draw more than 25 people, please contact Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig and WUU Board president Ariel BenYishay to discuss it. Larger gatherings are subject to review by our WUU Board, consulting as needed with the Board’s Public Health Advisory Task Force (Camilla Buchanan, Chris Llewellyn, and Kurt Williamson). We’ll respond as quickly as possible, but at least two weeks of lead time is helpful.
In addition to the above requirements, outdoor event organizers are strongly encouraged to consider adding a Zoom participation option using a laptop or other device, so that all who wish to participate can do so safely.
Indoor gatherings:
At this time, the main WUU building remains closed with very limited exceptions. WUU staff and leaders may enter as needed to take care of essential WUU business, keeping their visits as brief as possible, masking in the presence of others, washing hands frequently, and observing distancing at all times.
Occasionally, very small indoor meetings may be permitted in the main building when it’s not possible to meet outdoors or online. All safety protocols for outdoor gatherings (see above) must be followed. If you have a compelling reason to host an in-person meeting on campus, please fill out a Google Form here: https://forms.gle/rCSy7CXz9XjxN9RA9. The form will ask you to provide:
- Your name and contact information
- Purpose of the meeting
- Number of participants
- Date and time
- Room(s) you would like to use
- Name of meeting host (responsible for screening participants on arrival and ensuring safety protocols are followed)
- Your plan for ensuring physical distancing (e.g., set up chairs in advance)
- Whether you will offer an online participation option for any group members uncomfortable with or unable to meet in person (if you can provide a laptop or tablet, WUU staff can help you set up a Zoom link so people can also participate remotely)
Your responses will be automatically sent to Rev. Laura. Like larger outdoor events, all indoor events are subject to review by our WUU Board, consulting as needed with the Board’s Public Health Advisory Task Force. Again, at least two weeks of lead time will help us respond promptly to your request.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Rev. Laura and/or Board president Ariel BenYishay. Thank you very much for helping to keep our congregation safe!