In accordance with CDC guidelines, the following measures have been implemented to mitigate the risk inherent in regathering for in-person worship at Calvary Church.

Scaling Up Operations

• The church staff will monitor COVID-19 related communications from Erie County and New York State and alter this plan as necessary.
• Those at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are encouraged to participate in the life of Calvary Church through the church’s weekly streamed service.
• Those who wish to attend worship in person must register via a form and short questionnaire. 
• At this time, singing is not permitted at any service with a congregation physically present in the building.
• Sunday School will not be held in its traditional form in the fall of 2020.

Healthy Hygiene Practices

• Everyone is asked to maintain good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after attending church.
• Hand sanitizer stations are available at the doors of the church. Please use hand sanitizer immediately upon entering the church, after use of the elevator, and upon exiting the building.
• Please cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands washed. Please do not leave used tissues in your pew.

Masks

• Cloth or paper masks must be worn at all times on Calvary Church property, indoors and outdoors. Children younger than 2 years old are the only exemption to this mandate. If you cannot tolerate wearing a mask while on church property, please join us for the streamed service.

Cleaning, Disinfection, and Ventilation

• Frequently touched surfaces will be disinfected frequently.
• The church pews will be sanitized with an EPA “List N” disinfectant cleaner following each use. Please note that while a disinfectant cleaner will be used, it is impossible to completely disinfect wood surfaces.
• While weather permits, doors will be propped open. When weather does not permit the propping of doors, door handles will be disinfected frequently as the congregation gathers and departs.
• The restroom by the reception room is the only restroom that will be available. It will be disinfected after each use.
• To increase ventilation within the church building, the windows will be open as  weather permits. 
• As needed, please use designated trash receptacles, located at the doors of the church.

Promoting Social Distancing

• The total number of congregants permitted at each service is 60. 
• The parking lot and entrance to the Lobby Link are available for those who face mobility challenges requiring use of the elevator. 
• Only members of the same household may use the elevator at the same time. After using the elevator, riders should sanitize their hands at the station provided.
• An usher or shepherd will be stationed at the door to greet those attending the service, confirm that they have registered to attend, and offer hand sanitizer. An additional usher or shepherd will direct each person to their seat for the service. Please note: it is highly unlikely that you will be able to sit in the seat to which you have become accustomed. In order to maintain social distancing for the health and safety of our community, foot traffic and seating patterns have been developed. Please follow the guidance given by the usher or shepherd that is leading you to your seat for the day.
• Please remain in place for the duration of the service. If a sign of peace is exchanged, please avoid physical contact with anyone not in your household. Instead, please exchange peace through a nod, wave, or text message.
• At the conclusion of the service, please remain quietly seated in your pew through the entire postlude. Ushers and shepherds will dismiss the congregation by pew at the conclusion of the postlude. Please maintain six feet of social distance from those not living in your household, and exit the church promptly to facilitate the orderly dismissal of all. Please take your service leaflet home with you.
• Offering plates will be available in the back of the church for use before or after each service. An offering will not be collected during the services.
• At this time, access to the chapel, library, reception room, coat room, kitchen, classrooms, and lower level of the Scaife Building will be restricted on Sunday mornings. In order to facilitate the cleaning and disinfection of our facility, please be diligent in not entering these spaces, and keep all of your belongings (coat, boots, etc.) with you in your pew. 
• At this time, Calvary Church is unable to host coffee hours, receptions or any other event with shared food.

Nursery and Childcare

• Nursery care will be available at the 11 a.m. service on Sundays, for those who have signed up for it in advance.