The Fellowship’s COVID-19 Task Force uses guidance from the CDC, local public health departments, and the UUA to determine how best to keep us safe during the pandemic, using data from the website CovidActNow. We have adapted guidelines to the particulars of our congregation.

Join Us for Sunday Services

Currently, we offer services in-person in our beautiful new sanctuary and simultaneously on Zoom. Sunday services begin at 10:00 a.m.

In-Person: Per Boulder County and CDC, risk levels in our community are currently Low. Masks are not required while at the Fellowship building. Masks are available at the doors, for any who needs one.

In addition to the mask policy, we ask that everyone take personal responsibility for not spreading germs. 

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 and flu vaccines, including the newest update. 

• Get tested if you have symptoms. 

• Stay home if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. If you have symptoms and must go out, (like to the doctors, or grocery store), wear a well-fitting KN95 or N95 mask . 

• Wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others.

On Zoom: To join by computer, click on the link on our home page a few minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Especially during this time, it is good to be together. We would love to see you either in person or online.

We use the video conferencing service Zoom for our online services and meetings. Zoom can be accessed from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection.

New to Zoom?

If you haven’t used Zoom before, we suggest clicking the link a few minutes early as you’ll need to install a browser plugin (or app if on a mobile device) which should just take a minute or two. If you would like a quick primer on the Zoom features we use during services, here’s our 5-minute pre-service technology orientation.  https://youtu.be/GFtHS8epfWI

COVID19 Guidelines Explained

The Covid Task Force has agreed to adopt a color-coded chart based on community risk levels with updated mask guidance from CDC and Boulder County. We hope this change will streamline and simplify masking recommendations and help folks to understand, and better predict, masking at the Fellowship.

Before elaborating, we want to reiterate our commitment to hold at least one masks-required service per month on an ongoing ad hoc basis, even at low and medium county risk levels, for those in our congregation who are immunocompromised. Look for services that will be masks-required in your Connections Weekly newsletter.

Also, the adoption of updated CDC and Boulder County mask recommendations doesn’t change longstanding advice from public health authorities, i.e., please stay home if you’re sick, get tested if you are exposed, and stay up-to-date on vaccinations appropriate for you (including the flu.) 

If you are at high risk for getting very sick (over 65 and see chart below), we encourage and invite you to consider using the heightened recommendations in the right-hand column in the chart below. We REALLY love you all and we want our vibrant community members to be safe and healthy. And of course, no matter your personal risk, you can always choose to help protect others by masking at any time. 

If the Community Risk Level Changes

The COVID19 Task Force consults frequently if the situation is changing rapidly, but you may not hear from us right away, so please feel personally empowered to observe the recommendations for Boulder County community risk level in the chart below even if you haven’t heard from us yet.

BVUUF Mask Policy 

Adapted from CDC and Boulder County Public Health

* Boulder County community risk levels are updated weekly. See current risk level: https://bouldercounty.gov/families/disease/covid-19-information/recommended-covid-19-precautions/.

** Aligns with CDC recommendations for healthy individuals who come into contact with those at high risk of severe disease. From: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html .   

*** Older adults are at higher risk for severe disease. High-risk medical conditions include the following list of medical conditions from CDC, which has undergone evidence-based medical review for accuracy: cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic lung diseases like moderate-to-severe asthma and COPD, cystic fibrosis, dementia or other neurological conditions, diabetes, disabilities that cause underlying medical conditions or require living in congregate settings, certain heart conditions, HIV, certain diseases that cause immunocompromised condition or weakened immune system, certain mental health conditions, obesity, physical inactivity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease or thalassemia, smoking (current or former), solid organ or blood stem cell transplant, substance use disorder, and tuberculosis.

Sources:

1.       Boulder County, CO | Covid ActNow. https://covidactnow.org/us/colorado-co/county/boulder_county/?s=42502994. Accessed 12/1/22.

2.       People with Certain Medical Conditions | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html Last updated 10/19/22. Accessed 11/12/22.

3.       Understanding Risk | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/understanding-risk.html. Last updated 8/11/22. Accessed 11/12/22.

4.       Use and Care of Masks | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html. Last updated 9/9/22.  Accessed 12/1/22.

In gratitude and service,

And may you be healthy, happy, and well this winter,

The COVID Task Force

(Janet Meyer, Judy Schmidt, Jessica Laikeman, Rev. Lydia-Ferrante-Roseberry, Carol Pranschke, Constance Holden, Scott Nelson, Gwen Murphy, Rosemary Arp)

The Conversation Project and COVID-19

The many impacts of this pandemic are hard to take in, and can feel overwhelming. But spending some time thinking about your own needs and wishes should you become ill can be empowering. Rev. Lydia shares this video from The Conversation Project with you about what to think about in terms of end of life wishes in this unprecedented time we are in. 

Please feel free to reach out to Rev. Lydia, Constance Holden, or Scott Nelson and Mzia Chatara (our lay pastoral care associate coordinators), to discuss your plans or concerns during this time.