08 july 2020 | covid-19 small group guidance
Covid-19: Small Group Guidance | 08 July 2020
As a Leadership Team we appreciate that as the Lockdown restrictions are relaxed many people across the church are now beginning to meet in person as well as online. We understand this has been a difficult time and we felt it might be helpful for us to issue some guidance for our Church related Small Groups/Discipleship groups. The information we are listing has come directly from the government guidance.
We all bring different personalities and viewpoints, along with the ability to accept different levels of risk. Some may not have seen much impact from the virus and others may have lost loved ones to it and this will massively affect how different people feel about it, not to mention people’s own health concerns and potential vulnerability to the virus. Let’s look after each other and the people we come into contact with, but remember that good communication, grace and sensitivity is needed as we start to consider reconnecting in person where possible.
From 4 July, you should:
Only gather indoors in groups of no more than two households
Only gather outdoors in either a group of up to 6 people from different households or up to two households
Meeting Outdoors:
You can meet people in both public or private outdoor spaces, such as parks or gardens, as long as you maintain social distancing (2m) at all times with people who are not in your household or support bubble.
Garages, sheds or cabins are all indoor areas where the risk of transmission is as high as if you were in a small room in a house so should be avoided.
If you meet to eat together:
You should try, wherever possible, not to pass each other food or drink unless you live together or are in a support bubble together.
If possible, take your own utensils for eating and drinking. If you do share plates/cups from the household being visited, you should ensure they are thoroughly cleaned before and after use.
Meeting Indoors:
From 4 July, members of two different households can meet in any indoor space, including a private home.
You should, wherever possible, socially distance from people you do not live with or who are not in your support bubble and take particular care to maintain excellent hygiene - washing hands and surfaces - when using shared facilities like bathrooms.
We would encourage you to:
Take hygiene precautions by washing your hands before meeting up and when you return home.
Access private gardens externally wherever possible – if you need to go through someone else’s home to reach the garden avoid touching surfaces and loitering.
Avoid using toilets in other people’s home (outside of your support bubble) wherever possible.
If you use the toilet wash your hands thoroughly, wipe down surfaces, use separate or paper towels and wash or dispose of them safely after use.
Using disinfectant, wipe down any surfaces or door handles people from outside of your household or support bubble come into contact with if walking through your home.
Avoid sharing plates and utensils with people outside of your household or your support bubble.
Avoid using paddling pools or other garden equipment with people outside of your household or bubble.
Avoid singing – this has been proven to increase the risk of passing the virus on.
Stay safe & God Bless,
Andy, Margie, Farayi, Sophie, Robin, Phil, Rhoda and Dan
Hub Community Church Leadership Team