Coronavirus Outbreak Updates
February 15, 2022
Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul’s,
As you know, a universal indoor masking requirement was reinstated in California on December 15, 2021 in response to the spread of the Omicron variant. Now that Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations are declining across the state, the California Department of Public Health is implementing new guidance regarding the use of face coverings, effective February 16th. In part, the guidance states:
- Masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated individuals, except in settings where masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
- Masks are required for unvaccinated individuals in all indoor public settings and businesses.
In addition, the guidance states that in settings where masks are required only for unvaccinated individuals, we are permitted to:
“Provide information to all patrons, guests and attendees regarding vaccination requirements and allow vaccinated individuals to self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry.”
Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing the following changes:
- Masks will no longer be required indoors during worship services and church events. Worshippers and ministry participants may still wear a mask if they choose to do so, but they will no longer be required.
- St. Paul’s will not require anyone to show proof of vaccination.
- For the sake of those with special concerns, Communion servers will continue to wear masks while distributing the sacrament.
At this time, these changes do not yet apply at our schools. The new guidance still requires that masks be worn indoors in K-12 schools and childcare settings. However, we know that California is currently reconsidering its indoor mask mandate for schools. State officials will be meeting to discuss this on February 28th and will likely be announcing changes soon after. We are hopeful that changes are coming soon.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to deal with this unprecedented challenge. We will get through this together!
Sincerely,
Pastor Scott Christenson
Senior Pastor
