COVID – 19 UPDATE (14th April)
Easing of COVID-19 restrictions for churches
OCCUPANT DENSITY
There are no occupant density restrictions for church services and other activities, including worship services, funerals, weddings (from 14 April 2022), parish pantries and op shops, events, and hall/building hires.
FACE MASKS
Face masks are not required to be worn at church services/gatherings or in church offices/workplaces, except by people who:
Have a temperature equal to or higher than 37.5 degrees or any symptoms consistent with COVID-19;
Are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 PCR test; or
Are coming out of isolation/quarantine (see further details below).
Churches should maintain an environment where people feel comfortable to wear a face mask, if they prefer.
VACCINATIONS
Vaccinated and unvaccinated people are permitted to attend church services and gatherings. Churches are not required to check the vaccination status of attendees.
Individual parishes may decide to make COVID-19 vaccination an entry requirement for any particular service or activity.
There is no longer a requirement for ACSQ clergy, staff and volunteers to be vaccinated. However, vaccinations remain crucial in protecting those most vulnerable in our churches and the broader community, reducing the risk of spread, hospitalisation and serious illness. The ACSQ strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccinations, including third / fourth vaccination booster where eligible.
COMMUNION
Reintroduction of the common cup at the eucharist is permitted again from 1 am, Thursday 14 April 2022.
Reintroduction of the common cup is a decision to be made at the parish level.
DETAILED PLAN
Physical Distancing – Indoor gatherings on church premises currently has no occupant density limit. To avoid bottlenecks, we encourage congregants to enter the church via the main doors at the front and exit via the doors on the opposite side of the building.
You should not attend church if you have:
diagnosed with COVID-19
close contact of someone diagnosed with COVID-19
close contact of someone awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test
experiencing COVID symptoms such as; a fever, cough, sore throat, headache, distorted sense of taste.
Online Services – We are continuing to provide online services for vulnerable people, who prefer to stay at home and for people from other parts of Australia and the world who have been engaging with our services online. Key parts of the Sunday morning service are added to a YouTube playlist and posted online at 6:00pm each Sunday
Food/ Fellowship – We do provide refreshments after the services (subject to up dated restrictions).
Cleaning
On entering the church, you will be provided with hand sanitizer
Your chair will have been cleaned with anti-bacterial wipes
Toilets, door handles and other surfaces will be sanitized prior and after services
Roster – If you are willing to help with cleaning or any other role then please let us know via office@standrewsspringfield.org.au.
The situation and advice relating to Covid-19 is changing all the time. As a church we aim to:
Manage the risks well and protect the most vulnerable members of our church.
Continue to grow in faith and spiritual maturity.
Become even more connected and mutually supportive in spite of the challenges.
Be outward focussed towards the needs of the wider community.
As Christians, our response must not be one of fear and selfishness, rather, we should be looking to the needs of others. Above all, we need to pray with humility and confidence to the one who is in control.
Philippians 4: 6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
In Christians love,
Rev. Charlie
Australian Government – Click here to find out how they are monitoring and responding to the outbreak
Queensland Health – Click here to view current updates
Anglican Church of Southern Queensland – Click here to view guidance and information
