Conference updates COVID-19 best practices for in-person gatherings
In response to the emergence of the highly contagious omicron variant, South Carolina Resident Bishop L. Jonathan Holston and leaders of the South Carolina Conference have updated COVID-19 Best Practices. These were updated Dec. 20.
They are urging local churches to review their current practices to ensure the health and safety of all.
In the tradition of John Wesley, who believed in the value of science and medicine, Holston affirms the following guidance for in-person worship and other gatherings, which were compiled by a team of South Carolina United Methodist pastors and laity:
- All eligible persons, anyone age 5 and older, are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated and to receive a booster shot as soon as possible.
- Everyone should wear masks at all times when indoors, including choirs and those waiting to receive communion.
- Everyone should practice social distancing when indoors, including while waiting to receive communion.
- Local churches should hold events outdoors, including drive-up services, whenever possible. Outdoors is always safer than indoors.
Conference leaders urge congregations to remember that persons 65 and older and those with weak immune systems because of health conditions are more susceptible to COVID-19, even when vaccinated. Everyone is encouraged to wear masks out of respect and love for them.
Local churches are urged to continue to follow the latest guidance from the State Department of Health and Environmental Control as they make the health and safety of their congregations and communities their top priority.
Also while Holston and conference leaders recognize that there are differences of opinion in many congregations about the best way to respond to COVID-19, they urge patience and understanding as all continue to seek the best ways to serve God and one another together.