With the concerns we all are facing around virus transmission, we want to communicate as much as possible about actions that SSUC is taking to minimize the risk to those attending gatherings. We want, above all, to be responsible citizens, taking calm and measured approaches to our own health and the role we all play in our collective health.
The measures we’re taking have been developed following best practices in responding to COVID-19, consulting with public health professionals, and following recommendations established by the Emergency Plan of the United Church of Canada.
Beginning on March 15, 2020, SSUC will be implementing some small and temporary changes to some of our routines.
The most important thing to remember:
- Please do not attend a gathering or event if you are feeling ill or exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms. Instead, join us online at 10am MDT on Sundays via our website or our Facebook page.
- If you have returned from overseas, or areas that are outbreak ‘hot spots’ in the last two weeks, we recommend not attending.
Here are some small changes you’ll notice at a Sunday gathering:
- Greeters will not offer their hands when you arrive, but rather will offer a smile and a friendly ‘good morning’. Avoid hand-shaking among yourselves; a smile, wave, bow or elbow-bump are all great alternatives.
- Coffee will be available, but will not be offered in the church’s mugs. Instead, please bring your own labelled coffee mug and take it home with you. A limited supply of compostable cups will be available.
- Communion on the first Sunday of each month will be suspended for now.
As the situation in Alberta/Edmonton changes, we will review and update these changes and communicate them with you. In the meantime, we advise you to learn as much as possible about the coronavirus (COVID-19), self-isolation, prevention methods, and more. To do this and get the most up-to-date public health updates, visit the Alberta Health Services website.
