In order to protect vulnerable members of our community (including unvaccinated children) while continuing to worship together in person, Union will be undertaking a mitigation strategy tied to CDC recommendations for county-wide transmission levels. Although the majority of our congregation is fully vaccinated, the highly transmissible Delta variant poses significant risks to the unvaccinated—such as children under 12. It also appears that fully vaccinated people can occasionally get breakthrough infections and perhaps unknowingly spread the virus to others. Our sanctuary poses special risks because of the very limited ventilation, and the extended time that people spend in close proximity. After careful deliberation, the Session worked out a mitigation plan for the next two weeks. Here’s what you can expect from now through mid-October:
| When Nicollet County is experiencing HIGH TRANSMISSION (marked red on the CDC maps) During worship and elsewhere inside the church building: everyone will be asked to wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status. There will be no congregational singing. Adult Study: Everyone will be asked to wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status. Children’s Sunday School: Everyone will be asked to wear a face mask; classes will be held outdoors or online. Coffee Hour: Will be held outdoors, if possible. No coffee or snacks will be served indoors. Choir: Will not rehearse or sing for worship as a group. The preacher, lay worship leaders, and special music singers will be fully vaccinated. They will wear masks except when they are speaking or performing. |
| When Nicollet County is experiencing SUBSTANTIAL TRANSMISSION (marked orange on the CDC maps) During worship and elsewhere inside the church building: everyone will be asked to wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status. Adult Study: Everyone will be asked to wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status. Children’s Sunday School: Everyone will be asked to wear a face mask. Coffee Hour: Will be held outdoors, if possible. No coffee or snacks will be served indoors. Choir: Will not rehearse or sing for worship as a group. The preacher, lay worship leaders, and special music singers will be fully vaccinated. They will wear masks except when they are speaking or performing. |
| When Nicollet County is experiencing MODERATE TRANSMISSION (marked yellow on the CDC maps) * During worship and elsewhere inside the church building: unvaccinated people will be asked to wear a face mask while in the church building; face masks will be optional for fully vaccinated people. Adult Study: Face masks will be optional. Children’s Sunday School: Everyone will be asked to wear a face mask. Coffee Hour: Will be held in the narthex with doors open; people will be invited to take their coffee outside. Choir (once choir resumes after Labor Day): vaccinated participants will hold rehearsals and sing as usual. The preacher, lay worship leaders, and special music singers will not be required to wear face masks. |
Click here to see what level of transmission is affecting Nicollet County.