Let’s Be Prepared
As you may have already learned from the news, the Delta variant of COVID-19 has caused cases to rise again in the United States. In Tarrant County, the current positivity rate is11% compared to 3% for many months in the spring. Simultaneously, the first shot vaccination rate is 83% for those living in Tarrant County and eligible to receive vaccines.
We are writing this blog post to both remind our community that this pandemic is not over and that we need to prepare ourselves for any eventualities.
No decision for changes in our procedures has been made by either the COVID-19 task force nor the board. As such, we continue to operate under the current policies. Here are some reminders and considerations.
Not vaccinated?
We ask those who are not yet vaccinated or who choose not to get vaccinated to consider watching our services online or wear a mask at all times while indoors. This is not only to protect yourself but others as well. We are primarily serving an elderly community who relies on our ability to provide as safe of an environment as possible even though we cannot guarantee it.
Wrist bands
We encourage everyone to wear a wrist band either around their wrist or, as some have started doing, on the front of your clothing for visibility. The color coding is simple and explained on the sign where you pick up the bands.
Contact tracing (check-in)
Our check-in procedures will continue for the time being to allow contact tracing if necessary. Simultaneously, our in and out-flow will remain in place with doors opening @ 9:45 AM.
Marked seating
We continue to keep our marked seating in place to allow those who prefer to keep their distance to sit in those designated seats. We also encourage those who choose to keep their distance to spread out and use our entire sanctuary. We are in the very comfortable position to have space for about six times our current attendance. Let’s use it.
Stay informed & be safe
While we are doing our best to keep you informed, we cannot replace your own analysis and decision-making. You are your own best decision maker when it comes to your health and safety. Choose whichever way you feel is right for you. And, let us know how we can support you.
What are some of the possible scenarios we could decide to put in place?
Depending on how the positivity rates and hospitalizations develop in our area, we may have to return to some previous safety precautions. Moreover, we continue to follow CDC guidelines as well as federal, state, and local government orders. As such, we are preparing for:
Mask wearing & distancing
One possible scenario is that we are returning to 100% mask wearing for everyone (vaccinated or not; all ages; no face shields), including keeping family/friend groups distanced from each other for at least six feet.
No social gatherings
We might also have to consider closing our fellowship hall and move our after-service refreshments outdoors again.
Dispensing with in-person services
Another scenario is that we might have to dispense with in-person services until it is safe to reopen the doors. In such a case, only the worship team, including our live stream team will be allowed to meet inside the sanctuary to provide our service for everyone staying at home.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Thank you for continuing to support our reopening process and following our instructions to allow many to connect in person safely. We will provide you advance notification in the event we must implement any changes. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
In deepest Gratitude to all of you,
Unity Fort Worth
William Shaw (Board President)
Rev. Jean-Marie Schweizer (Senior Minister)