Starling Avenue Baptist Church Updated COVID Protocols for Sunday Morning Worship Services The SABC COVID Task Force and Worship Committee have been closely researching the new CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated people, and monitoring the rising cases of COVID-related illness in our area. As of Tuesday, the rate for positive COVID tests stands at 10.8% for the entire West Piedmont Health District when earlier in July it was less than 2%. The newest CDC guidelines suggest that fully vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission. Martinsville’s positivity rate is 15.28% (area of high transmission) and Henry County 7.12% (area of substantial transmission). Based on this information and our concern for the safety and well-being of our congregation, we feel that we must return to more restricted protocols, beginning this Sunday, August 8, and for the foreseeable future. We will continue to have only two open access doors to the sanctuary, with greeters: the 2nd floor side entrance from the parking lot for use of the elevator, and the front entrance. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available for those who need them. Everyone attending will be asked to wear a face covering as they enter the building, participate in worship, and until they have reached an outside area as they leave the sanctuary. This will mean that masks, unfortunately, will need to be worn during any congregational singing. Further, we ask that you continue to follow the guidelines listed below: 1. Continue to maintain social distancing in the sanctuary and balcony within family units. 2. Please sit only on a cushioned pew, keeping a six-foot distance between families/individuals. 3. Continue to make use of hand sanitizer and masks provided at entrances as needed. 4. Please depart the sanctuary when the service ends, maintaining a six-foot distance from others. We know that visiting with others is an important part of in-person services, but please wait to do so until you have exited the building and can maintain your social distance in an outdoor area. 5. Continue with the in-gathering of offering at the entrances. 6. Continue with individual communion servings. These updated protocols are made in the hope of maintaining the in-person worship experience we have been able to enjoy, while being mindful of the safety and comfort of all those who have been able to participate in this way. Again, we fully understand that at any time in the future safety concerns and restrictions change, these recommendations will have to be reviewed. We appreciate your patience in these complicated times, and will continue to review our community situation and these guidelines to make changes as they are needed.
SABC COVID TASK FORCE and WORSHIP COMMITTEE August 4, 2021