In the spring of 2021, Calvary’s Board of Trustees decided to conform to current CDC guidance for COVID-19 precautions, whatever it happens to be, especially in regards to who should wear masks and when.
As expected, and in response to much higher levels of immunity in the populace, the CDC has updated their guidelines to be based more on county-level hospitalizations. You can see the current guidance here.
Universal indoor mask use, regardless of vaccination status, is now only recommended with “high” levels of health system strain. New Castle County is currently ranked as having “low” levels.
Face coverings are now optional for all Calvary gatherings. This includes programs for children and youth, as the state of Delaware is ending its mask mandate in schools and childcare centers this week. Please note that the quarantine and isolation guidelines DO require you as an individual to wear a mask if you were exposed to someone with COVID in the last 10 days, and you should always stay home when you yourself are sick. Good ventilation in indoor spaces is still recommended and we will continue to practice that however possible. You can see the worship plan here and the small group plan here.
Remember that these guidelines are adaptive and we will continue to monitor our community levels and adjust accordingly. We urge everyone to consult the guidance and your healthcare provider regarding what you should do as an individual based on your health and risk status.
Calvary’s leadership continues to covet your prayers and thanks you for your cooperation through all of this. At Calvary, we have people who avoided coming because masks are required, and people who have still not been comfortable coming even though we require masks. Our decision to simply follow all current guidance is our best and most feasible path forward given the impossible task of meeting everyone’s needs and comfort zones.
There are beloved, faithful members who have not returned to the sanctuary yet because of ongoing health and risk concerns, and I know that relaxed restrictions may delay your return even more. If that’s you, I want you to know that you are valued, not forgotten, and still very much a part of our community of faith. I always pray that you will soon feel safe enough to bless us with your presence once again. You may note that new case rates in Delaware are very low right now.
-Pastor Corey
