COVID-19 Protocols Summary

Last updated: May 16, 2022
Safety is a priority at Manchester United Methodist Church. This page contains the current COVID-19 protocols and guidance for Manchester UMC. Any changes to church protocols or guidance will become effective once they appear on this page.
IMPORTANT: If you test positive for COVID-19 or develop symptoms within 10 days of attending an in-person church-sponsored event or activity, please notify the ministry leader or the church office immediately so we can alert other participants.
COVID-19 Self-Screening (Required)
All persons must self-screen BEFORE entering a Manchester UMC building or attending in-person activities sponsored by Manchester UMC. Self-screening is an act of love we do out of care and concern for each other.
In general, if you are sick, please stay home and recover.
COVID-19 Screening Questions:
- Have you received a positive COVID-19 test result within the last 10 days?
- Have you experienced COVID-19 symptoms within the last 5 days?
- Have you had a “close contact” (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more over 24 hours) with someone who has COVID-19 within the last 5 days?
If your answer is “NO” to ALL of above screening questions, you MAY ENTER a church building and attend in-person activities. If your answer is “YES” to ANY of the above questions, you may NOT ENTER a church building or attend in-person activities, UNLESS AT LEAST ONE of the below three statements ALSO applies to you:
- I am “up-to-date” on my vaccinations (including initial dose(s) PLUS a booster); AND I have not tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 5 days; AND I have not had a fever within the past 5 days.
- I received a positive COVID-19 test result 5 to 10 days ago; AND I have been fever free for the past 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication); AND my symptoms are improving or non-existent.
- I received a positive COVID-19 test result within the previous 90 days (but not the past 10 days); AND I have not had a fever within the past 5 days.
Mask Protocols
- Masks are optional, but recommended, for indoor church spaces with the exception of the preschool area. Masks will be required in the preschool area for those ages 3 and older during the week of May 16, 2022 due to recent positive Covid-19 cases within our preschool community. Masks are available to anyone who desires one.
- In support of persons and families who need/prefer a space where masks are worn, masks are required in the Sanctuary Balcony (except the media booth/office).
- Persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 10 days; OR who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 10 days; OR who have had a close contact with a person with COVID-19 within the past 10 days, will wear a well-fitting mask when around other persons (regardless of vaccination status).
- Masks are required for all Holy Communion servers.
Food and Beverage Protocols
- Gloves must be worn by food and beverage servers as well as Holy Communion servers.
- Persons may bring food to meetings or groups for consumption during the meeting/group. With the exception of kitchen refrigerators, absolutley no food may be left in rooms/spaces after a meeting/gathering/group.
Cleaning Protocols
When using a room or space, please be sure to complete the following cleaning protocols before leaving:
- Clean/disinfect all tables and chairs and return them to where you found them (if moved). Most rooms have a bin with cleaner and towel. Please place dirty towels in basket by bin.
- Remove any food and beverages brought into the room or space.
- Remove any papers or supplies brought into the room or space.
- Turn off lights and close doors.
If you have questions, or need assistance, please contact Sherri Estes at 636.200.4723.
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