PRBC Diaconate Covid Statement

Covid Policy for PRBC post 27th January 2022.

Personal responsibility for monitoring health: We would ask people who are not feeling well (even cold symptoms) to play safe and not attend any services/meetings. The livestream services will continue to be made available on YouTube. We encourage people, where possible, to take lateral flow tests (freely available from chemists) before attending any worship service or church group they attend.

Communion: We will continue to serve the pre-packaged cups & wafers but will also offer bread on cocktail sticks and juice in communion cups. All of the communion elements will be covered after preparation until the servers take them to the congregation. If possible a gluten free option will be made available. People are welcome to bring their own “bread” and “wine” if that is their preference.

Social Distancing: This should be encouraged and folk should leave empty chairs between family groups, inside stewards to encourage this. Notices from the NHS about hugs etc. will be displayed as visual reminder to folk. We should remind people not to encroach on anyone else’s space or touch them without their permission (unless part of their family group). Using the balcony for those that are able to use the stairs but are concerned about contact should be encouraged.

Face Masks: Legally folks are no longer required to wear a face mask within the building, though the government “suggests you continue to wear one in crowded and indoor spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet”.  We welcome everyone, whether you choose to wear face mask or not and we want you to feel comfortable with your choice.   We have set aside an area under the balcony, on the left-hand side of the church as you look towards the front, to be an area where those who still wish to wear a mask can sit. We would ask those who choose not to wear a mask to respect this space.

Singing: Singing is allowed without the use of masks.   We do encourage folk to sing in a quieter manner than we would do normally.

Chairs: It was agreed that some chairs should be returned to allow more seating as folk return and more choice as to where to sit. However, the aim will be to have more space between rows than pre-Covid.

Ventilation: A front door, both side doors from the foyer, both rear exit doors to the corridor, and the 4 doors accessing into the gallery, will be left open, and the rear door to the boiler house will be opened during services unless the wind is too strong.  Other rooms in use for groups should be ventilated.

Hand Sanitiser: This will continue to be made available for folk and its use is encouraged (but cannot be enforced).

After Service Socialising:  Tea and coffee and cold drinks will be served in the hall, which will be ventilated by opening the doors into the quad (those in the hall and in the entrance corridor). We encourage people to continue to consider social distancing.

Test and trace: We are no longer required to do this; however, it is recommended and should be made available. There is a single contact person for anybody that tests positive - use email secretary@parkroadbaptist.co.uk or if no access to email, then speak to Peter Hunt or leave a message on 07888750485. Please note that the utmost consideration to individuals’ privacy will be maintained at all times.

Platform Arrangement: The arrangement of the band and speaker microphones will remain as is for now.

PRBC Deacons

27th January 2022

References:

  BU Guidance - Coronavirus Guidance

  Government Guidelines - Coronavirus how to stay safe