“Consider placing some kind of blocks in your sanctuary or classrooms to ensure social distancing. Tape, remove chairs, use cones, etc. to indicate the distance needed.”
Post signs encouraging visitors to employ non-contact greetings such as waves.
Place hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility.
If you choose to open the restrooms, have signs with proper hand washing instruction. See the CDC’s website for printable instruction.
As the federal guidelines and many state guidelines instruct people to wear masks in public, consider asking volunteers to make masks for people who may show up to church without one.
Clean all equipment that gets touched during the service such as microphones, headphones, computers, laptops, etc. after every use.
Worship Service Adjustments
Keep offering online services for those who are at risk or don’t yet feel comfortable attending in person.
Offer multiple services so that you can observe social distancing guidelines. Remember to clean between services. Have people sign up for a service time using Facebook Events or something similar.
Encourage people to enter the building and go straight into the sanctuary–avoid congregating in areas where social distancing may not be possible.
Ensure volunteers are limited to those without preexisting conditions and under 65 years old.
Avoid handing out bulletins–put announcements on the projector screen instead.
Offer single serve communion packs that people can pick up on their way into the service.
Set up stations where people can drop offerings instead of passing a plate.
“Temporarily suspend using hymnals. Encourage your members to print/use their own music sheets or place the music in assigned seating prior to the service.”
The state of Georgia’s guidelines also suggest churches “strongly consider cancelling choir and choir practice to prevent the spread of coronavirus.”
