COVID Policy and Updates

COVID-19 Update & FAQs

April 29, 2021

LCUUC Board-Approved Guidelines for OUTDOOR Property Use
COVID-19 Phase 1 Re-Gathering (revised 4/29/21)

Events must be scheduled on the church calendar along with the name of the LCUUC member(s) in charge. Following a request to the LCUUC business office to schedule an event on the calendar, the LCUUC member(s) in charge of the event will receive a copy of these guidelines and will be asked to provide the approximate number of attendees expected at the event. The LCUUC member(s) in charge of the event will be responsible for scheduling, rescheduling, or cancelling the event guided by COVID ActNow risk levels, recommended outdoor gathering limits, and other guidelines (below).

• The current COVID-19 risk level can be found on the COVID ActNow page for Waukesha County:  https://covidactnow.org/us/wisconsin-wi/county/waukesha_county/?s=1666600
• Recommended limits on the number of persons gathering outdoors based on the current risk level can be found in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) guidelines:   https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p02789.pdf

                Based on these guidelines, recommended limits on the number of persons attending outdoor events at LCUUC are as follows:
                     COVID ActNow Risk Level : Recommended Outdoor Gathering Limits
                          Very High and Severe:  10 people
                          High:  25 people
                          Medium:  50
                          Low:  100

• Regarding wearing masks and practicing physical distancing, all individuals using the LCUUC property should follow the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. The LCUUC member(s) in charge of the event will be responsible for:
  • reviewing the latest CDC guidelines
  • communicating these CDC guidelines to invitees (in advance of the event)
  • reminding attendees (at the event), to follow the latest CDC guidelines, which can be found at:

                   https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

• Attendees are advised to bring their own portable chairs for events at which they wish to be seated.
• Because attendees will not have access to the LCUUC building, they may wish to bring water and hand sanitizer.
• There is a leased portable toilet available for use during outdoor events. It is serviced weekly by the sanitation company.

• Attendees who are not following these guidelines may be asked to leave by the person(s) in charge of the event.
• Other resources to help mitigate the spread of the virus include:

                    https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community.htm
                    https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/HealthAndHumanServices/PublicHealth/public-health-preparedness/COVID19/SafeOpen/
                    https://www.uua.org/safe/pandemics/gathering-guidance/outdoor-gatherings

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   Regarding LCUUC COVID-19 OUTDOOR Property Use Re-Gathering Guidelines

What rationale did LCUUC consider when developing these guidelines?
On March 16, 2021, the Board adopted the following Values Statement to help anchor the reopening and regathering guidelines: As we think about how to reopen, we want to consider shared values aligned with our UU principles: science, safety, community, and inclusivity.

• Because we value science, we want to base our decisions to reopen on the infection activity in our community, and on the advice of public health experts and scientists, and on evidence-based medicine. We want to make reopening decisions based not on what might "feel safe" to some of us, but what science tells us is a low level of risk.
• Because our community places a high value on safety, we want to take special precautions and consider the needs of our staff, congregants, visitors and the most vulnerable.
• Because we value community, we want to find sound, enjoyable ways to socialize together outdoors and in person, and to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Because we value inclusivity, we will continue online worship services or other online opportunities to connect even after reopening so that there is something for everyone, including those who are not able to attend in person.​​

If I’m planning an event, do I need to continuously monitor the COVID ActNow Risk Level for changes in Waukesha County?
You can sign up to “Receive Alerts” that will automatically inform you (via email) if the Waukesha County Risk Level changes. Click on the “Receive Alerts” tab in the upper right corner of the COVID ActNow website to get email alerts. https://www.covidactnow.org/us/wisconsin-wi/county/waukesha_county/?s=1754675

What if the Waukesha County Risk Level elevates after I add an event to the LCUUC Calendar?
County-wide COVID Risk Levels can fluctuate (especially when a given risk level first changes), so you may want to wait until Waukesha County remains in a given Risk Level for at least 2 weeks before deciding to cancel or revise your event.

This seems pretty restrictive, why is LCUUC doing this?
By following the guidelines put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WI Department of Health Services (DHS), we are showing that we value science and safety and want to be careful with everyone who comes to our church, including those most vulnerable.

I’m fully vaccinated (it’s at least 2 weeks after my last required vaccine dose). Do I need to continue to wear a mask and practice physical distancing while gathering outdoors at LCUUC?
If you are in a crowded outdoor situation and can’t maintain a safe distance from others, please wear a mask for your own protection and the safety of others.
The latest CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html
This simple graphic, developed by the CDC, helps clarify when vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask to help protect themselves and others: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/pdfs/choosingSaferActivities.pdf
​
Is it safe for everyone to attend in-person events at LCUUC?
By taking the precautions outlined in these guidelines, risks are mitigated, but there is still a risk of contracting COVID. Everyone needs to consider their situation and decide what risks they are willing to take.

How do I submit my question(s) about the LCUUC COVID-19 OUTDOOR re-gathering guidelines?
Please direct any inquiries about these guidelines to Rev. Carin Bringelson at revcarin@lcuuc.org

COVID-19 Update - LCUUC​

April 23, 2021

Dear LCUUC Community of Friends,

There is a sign on the door of our building that reads “Masks Required” when in the building. This policy remains unchanged regardless of vaccination status. The only person with an exemption is Rev. Carin who can choose to wear or not wear a mask in her private office while alone and has the door closed.
     We have no way to monitor people coming in and out of the building. Nor can we invade the privacy of others by asking them their vaccination status, or require vaccination for inclusion in our church community.
     We are currently assessing the safety and health status of the indoor property, especially ventilation in the offices, classrooms, social hall, and sanctuary. We will phase in re-entry.
     The outdoor guidelines as approved March 23, 2021 remain unchanged at this point. (See Church website for Outdoor Property Use). However, we are regularly monitoring CDC recommendations in conjunction with the COVID ActNow guidelines for Waukesha County and hope that numbers of COVID cases continue to drop so that we can increase our outdoor gathering limits. These changes will fluctuate with changes in the number of cases reported.
     https://covidactnow.org/us/wisconsin-wi/county/waukesha_county/?s=1666600

Based on these guidelines, recommended limits on the number of persons attending outdoor events at LCUUC are as follows:

     COVID ActNow Risk Level Recommended Outdoor Gathering Limits:
     Critically High and Very High:  10 people
     High:  25 people
     Medium:  50
     Low:  100
 
All outdoor events must be scheduled with the church office. The person in charge of the event should be up to date on the risk levels and gathering limits and is responsible for enforcing the guidelines. Our congregational administrator, Leann, can provide you with more information on scheduling and the guidelines. Please contact the church office as needed.
     Thank you for your compassion and patience. These are difficult social-emotional times for all of us. We miss our hugs and friendly hellos with each other in the sanctuary and elsewhere.
.
In community, Paula Hillmann, LCUUC Board President

Values Statement &
Updated Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use at LCUUC

March 23, 2021

Dear LCUUC Community of Friends,
 
The Board of Trustees is happy to share our revised guidelines for outdoor property use during this pandemic, effective March 23, 2021. The original document was approved June 25, 2020. The COVID work group (Elisabeth Harrahy, Paula Hillmann, John Kuhn, Mike McNett, Cathy Mararri, Tracy Moraine, Lois Remeikis, Janis Tyler, and Greg Valde) are advisors to the Board. We are very grateful for their expertise and dedication to studying the spiritual, mental, and physical health factors in making their recommendations. This group will meet again in April to continue work on the Indoor Guidelines.
 
Following is 1) the Values statement that was created and endorsed by the Board and 2) The Board Approved Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use.
 
Please let any of the Board know if you have questions, concerns, or ideas.
___________________________________________________________
 
LCUUC Reopening and Regathering
Values Statement (March 16, 2021)
 
As we think about how to reopen, we want to consider shared values aligned with our UU principles: science, safety, community, and inclusivity.
 
Because we value science, we want to base our decisions to reopen on the infection activity in our community, on the advice and of public health experts and scientists, and on evidence-based medicine. We want to make reopening decisions based not on what might “feel safe” to some of us, but what science tells us is a low level of risk.
 
Because our community places a high value on safety, we want to take special precautions and consider the needs of our staff, congregants, visitors and the most vulnerable.
 
Because we value community, we want to find sound, enjoyable ways to socialize together outdoors and in person, and to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. 
 
Because we value inclusivity, we will continue online worship services or other online opportunities to connect even after reopening so that there is something for everyone, including those who are not able to attend in person. 
​___________________________________________________________

COVID-19 Update - LCUUC​

February 10, 2021

Dear LCUUC Community of Friends,

As President of the LCUUC Board of Trustees, I wanted to briefly update you on where we are regarding re-gathering during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are all optimistic that we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel with the roll out of vaccines and recent declines in hospitalizations.  However, uncertainties remain as to when we will attain “herd immunity” given virus mutations, vaccine efficacy against the variants, the impact of political efforts to lift mitigation measures, etc. So, we must be prepared for the possibility of a long journey back to the old normal and continue to embrace opportunities for a new normal.  For now, things will remain “as is” with the building closed to regular activities.
Since May 2020, the LCUUC COVID-19 Work Group has been studying many aspects of our situation.  The group has been working in association with UUA recommendations to use a science-based approach while remaining committed to LCUUC ideals and values in developing practical measures that help ensure the health and safety of our congregation, employees, and the greater community. 
​
At the January 19 meeting, the Board requested more information from the COVID-19 Work Group.  The Work Group met on February 8 and agreed to:

• Study the most recent UUA materials (www.uua.org/safe/pandemics) and CDC/Wisconsin DHS guidelines on re-gathering
• Meet on March 1 to collectively review and recommend next best steps for LCUUC re-gathering
• Report back to the Board for its March 16 meeting

After the March 16 Board meeting, we will pull in more voices and ideas from our membership as we develop our LCUUC pandemic policy.  Not an easy task and certainly, as always, a work in progress.  Please watch for ways in which you can let us know your thoughts and intended actions related to re-gathering, both indoors and virtually.

Thank you and be safe, healthy and happy. Please let me or one of the Board Members know if you have questions, concerns, ideas.

Paula Hillmann, LCUUC Board President

Board-Approved Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use 
and Initial Procedures for Indoor Property Use at LCUUC

August 26, 2020

As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together, we continue to explore safe methods for connecting our LCUUC community. We do this out of concern for others and our acknowledgement of shared UU Principles.
 
Background: A special Work Group began collaborating in May to look at best practices using evidence-based research regarding COVID-19 precautions (Elisabeth Harrahy, Paula Hillmann, John Kuhn, Sue Lewis, Cathy Marrari, Lois Remeikis, Greg Valde). They studied the medical and psychosocial science research from the CDC, FDA, APA, State of Wisconsin, UW and other research institutions; and Regional, County and UUA recommendations for safe in-person gatherings.
 
The Work Group administered online surveys to LCUUC members, staff and committees regarding their needs and concerns for regathering. Survey data and recommendations were presented by the Work Group to the Board of Trustees in June and August. This resulted in our development of guidelines and procedures that help ensure the safety and health of members, staff and visitors of all ages.
 
The Board approved Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use effective June 25, 2020.
 

• Events must be scheduled on the church calendar along with the name(s) of the LCUUC member(s) in charge.
• Outdoor events not expected to exceed 100 people are allowed on the LCUUC grounds consistent with Waukesha County guidelines.
• All individuals are expected to follow CDC guidelines for reducing Coronavirus transmission, including at a minimum wearing face masks and practicing physical distancing of 6 feet from individuals not in their immediate household.
• Attendees are advised to bring their own portable chairs for events at which they wish to be seated.
• Attendees will not have indoor access to the LCUUC building and are advised to bring water and make arrangements for bathroom use ahead of time.
• Attendees who are not following these guidelines may be asked to leave. 

 
The Board reviewed existing Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use and the Work Group’s recommendations for Indoor Property Use at its meeting on August 18, 2020. Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use (approved June 25, 2020) remain in place.
 
The following initial procedures for reentry and Use of Indoor Property were approved. An addition for the inclusion of an outdoor portable toilet rental was made. The Board will continue to review evidence-based research regarding COVID-19 and change procedures and guidelines at subsequent Board meetings, as needed.
 

• Entry into the building is limited to only staff and workers needed for essential LCUUC operations.
• Locks to the entry doors have been changed, and a limited number of keys have been issued.
• The coded lock box will be removed until further notice.
• A video camera has been installed at the front entry door.
• Those using the building other than staff are expected to notify the Office Administrator they will be in the building.
• Worship services, Religious Education classes, Committee meetings and other activities will continue online for the foreseeable future.
• A portable toilet will be rented for use during outdoor LCUUC scheduled events only. This will be locked when not in use by the group event.

 
We do this out of loving kindness for our church family, our staff, our friends and visitors, and for our community. If you have any questions, concerns or ideas regarding our work, please contact our Minister, Reverend Carin Bringelson or any of the LCUUC Board Members.