UUFoM COVID-19 Guidelines for Fellowship-Sponsored Outdoor Gatherings and Classes

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Click here for a printable version of the Metrics for Reopening UUFoM for Indoor, In-Person Worship Services (created May 18, 2021)

May 18, 2021: UUFOM IN-PERSON EVENTS AND GATHERINGS 

As of May 18, 2021, UUFoM guidelines allow in-person OUTSIDE gatherings of fellowship-sponsored groups. The guidelines for groups described below (masks, spacing, outside only, contact information submitted) remain in effect.

BOARD APPROVED: May 18, 2021
Public health professionals have agreed that outside gatherings are less likely to transmit COVID-19 than indoor gatherings when basic guidelines are met. As of May 18, 2021, UUFoM guidelines will now allow in-person outside gatherings of fellowship-sponsored groups. Fellowship-sponsored groups may meet in our parking lot, gardens, and grounds as well as parks and outside of homes, if the following requirements and recommendations are met. (UUFoM’s playground, building, and porch remain closed). These guidelines remain in place until the UUFoM board replaces or suspends them.

The building’s restrooms and kitchen are not available to those attending outside gatherings at this time. We prioritize protecting our essential workers in the building and those in attendance by containing gatherings in our outdoor space.

When state and federal authorities endorse orders and guidelines to do so, outdoor gatherings may be suspended and notice of the suspension will be given to the contact individuals for any gatherings scheduled during that time.

In keeping with our covenant to each other, the UUFoM board and the COVID-19 task torce ask members and friends to comply with both the requirements and the non-mandatory recommendations in these guidelines to protect everyone’s health. Groups are encouraged to consider other summer health risks in planning their meetings (e.g., heat, bugs, poison ivy, thunderstorms, etc.) Individuals and family units may, of course, continue to use the lovely UUFoM grounds. 

Requirements for Fellowship-Sponsored Outdoor Gatherings:

  • Any scheduled activity needs to be placed on the fellowship calendar along with the name of the Safety Coordinator (schedule by contacting the Office Administrator). The Safety Coordinator will assure that guidelines are followed, including completion of the COVID-19 screening questionnaire with each participant. 
  • This policy is for outdoor fellowship activities only, it does not apply to hired contractors. 
  • Within 24 hours of the meeting, the Safety Coordinator will complete and submit the online Potential Contact Tracing Record form, which is available online here. The Office Administrator will keep a single online file of all such meeting reports. The Safety Coordinator will include the name of the group, date of meeting, and the names of all attending. They will also list phone numbers and email addresses for anyone not a member and/or not yet listed in the UUFoM directory. The Office Administrator and the Safety Coordinator will keep these records for at least two months. 
  • Per the CDC and Michigan governor’s direction, fully vaccinated persons need not wear masks. We recommend that attendees bring their own chairs, masks (if needed), and hand sanitizer. (Chairs for gatherings in the parking lot may not be removed from the fellowship building.) All attendees who are not vaccinated will wear masks at all times, other than when eating, gardening, or on a work crew. Unvaccinated people who arrive without masks will be given one by the Safety Coordinator.
  • Attendees will supply their own food, drink, serving pieces, cups, and napkins. These should not be shared.
  • People attending outdoor events or gardening may not enter or use the fellowship building, including the bathrooms or closets, until the Covid-19 task force sets next phase guidelines. A portable toilet will be made available for outdoor events.
  • While the board cannot make policy for members’ private homes, it does ask for prudence in following recommended safety measures. For UUFoM-sponsored activities at private homes, the board recommends making sure all those invited consent to meeting in person and agree on the needed precautions. This includes masking for unvaccinated individuals, completing the COVID-19 screening questionnaire, and using disinfecting wipes to clean a dedicated bathroom after each use.
  • In order to stay inclusive, if a fellowship-sponsored activity does not require physical presence, group leaders will try to provide online access to all attendees (e.g., Facetime, Zoom, or Skype). Leaders will include such online options in all meeting invitations and announcements.
  • Group participants agree to notify the Safety Coordinator if they become ill with COVID-19-like symptoms. The coordinator will notify the minister immediately if someone who attended the group becomes ill with COVID-19-like symptoms. The minister will then obtain the list of participants and arrange for them to be contacted.
  • Volunteer gardeners and work crew members will wear masks if not vaccinated, bring their own water, and coordinate their time working in the gardens until the building is reopened.