Churches around the country that offer in-person event are taking additional steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus. While conducting a deep clean is important, it’s also beneficial to limit possible germ spread on objects and in high-touch areas.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common “high-touch” surfaces typically include tables, doorknobs, light switches, faucets, sinks, and toilets. Churches also will want to consider the other objects or areas commonly touched through the course of their weekly activities.
These surfaces may include:
Pews or chairs
Bibles
Hymnals
Offering plates
Pens
Coffee pots
Water fountains
Ministry leaders are encouraged to pay close attention to how you protect your congregation from the spread of germs.
Consider how to limit or eliminate touch from high-touch surfaces. For instance, you could ask your congregants to bring their own writing utensils, Bibles, coffee, and water bottles, while you make these items temporarily unavailable. Churches who have access to a projector can project lyrics and Scripture references to limit the use of hymnals and pew Bibles. However, additional licensing may be required to copy lyrics to projector slides. See our Complying with Copyright Law article.
If your church used to “pass the plate” for tithes and offerings, consider alternative means of taking an offering for the time-being, like a drop box or online giving. See our Giving in Digital Times article.
You can address other, commonly touched surfaces by propping open select, monitored doors, if it’s warm enough, or having gloved greeters hold open doors at a safe distance. Additionally, consider closing off certain areas of your building – like low-traffic bathrooms – to concentrate cleaning.
It may seem overwhelming to embrace the “new normal” of deep cleanings and limiting touch. That said, churches are encouraged to follow good risk management practices to create safe, healthy worship environments.
Resources:
Giving in Digital Times - Brotherhood Mutual Safety Library
Complying with Copyright Laws - Brotherhood Mutual Safety Library
Updated November 19, 2020
The information provided in this article is intended to be helpful, but it does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. We strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program.
Thank you for your interest in Brotherhood Mutual. We appreciate the opportunity to provide your church or other ministry with an insurance quote and will reply to your request as soon as possible.
Text to follow...
