Greetings to All in the Diocese of New Westminster,
As you may be aware, during a public briefing on November 7, 2020, the Provincial Health Officer announced new Health Orders in response to the rise in COVID-19 cases in BC, particularly in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions.
The implications for us in churches are the following,
For the next two weeks:
- Weddings and funerals are limited to immediate family, keeping the numbers as small as possible.
- While churches may still host gatherings of up to 50 people, all churches must be especially vigilant with safety protocols, strictly adhering to:
- physical distancing
- mask wearing
- hand washing
- increased ventilation
In addition, churches should pay special attention to safety protocols when people gather in more confined spaces, (small meeting rooms, kitchens, etc.).
Please note, as has been specified in our diocesan safety protocols, no church-related in-home gatherings are permitted.
In view of the rising COVID-19 numbers, parishes in the diocese may choose to suspend their in-person worship/gatherings and return to online only services and meetings. This will be the decision of the responsible persons in the parish as they discern what’s in the best interest of their parishioners and communities.
Please let us know if you have any questions about these latest orders. Our team continues to pray for all our parishes during this time of pandemic.
(Please follow this link to access "Responses to Questions: latest PHO Orders" distributed to parishes November 9, 2020)
In Christ,
Archbishop Melissa Skelton
The Reverend Tellison Glover
The Reverend Philippa Segrave-Pride