January 5, 2022

Greetings Friends,

On January 4th, 2022, the Task Force met to revise our protocols to continue worship. This means that on January 9th, we will resume in-person and online worship. Please read over the protocols below if you plan to attend in person (if you can follow the protocol, you are welcome to attend, otherwise, welcome you to attend virtually). Thank you for your continued cooperation and the dedicated work of our Task Force.

Grace and Peace,

The Rev. Casey Carbone

First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac

Sanctuary Building Safety Plan During COVID-19 Pandemic

Approved by COVID Task Force: 1/4/2022
*A version of this can be found on the church website (mahopacchurch.org).

In compliance with masking requirements for indoor public spaces implemented on December 13, 2021 by New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul, New York State Department Of Health Commissioner, Mary T. Bassett and New York State Executive Deputy Commissioner, Kristin M. Proud, the following shall occur at this church until the requirements are lifted:1,2,3,4

• All attendees of the Sanctuary Building over 2 years old must wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth regardless of vaccination status. They shall remain masked until exiting the building, with exception to partaking of communion elements
• Eating and drinking is not permitted in the building except for communion.
• Prepackaged communion kits will be offered to attendees.
• During communion, attendees/family groups must be spaced 6 feet apart before briefly removing their mask to partake of communion elements.
• Every other pew will be blocked off.
• Pastor/speaker will be masked and 6 feet from others, or behind a plastic shield.
• Restrooms and kitchen shall be used by one person at a time.
• The church will have a supply of disposable masks for employees, visitors, and attendees at all times. Hand sanitizer will be placed at entrance and exit points. Soap and water handwashing is available in the restrooms.
• Through strategically placed signage, individuals will be encouraged to appropriately use PPE and practice hand hygiene.
• Cleaning, vacuuming, wet mopping of all areas of the building shall occur regularly or as visibly needed. Garbage removal is part of the cleaning process.
• Session/group leaders must ensure that noncompliance with this plan is quickly addressed. If an individual refuses to cooperate, they must vacate the premises.

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1 https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home​

2 https://longisland.news12.com/ways-to-stay-safe-when-dining-at-restaurants​

3 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/toolkits/community-faith-based.html​

4 https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/frequently-asked-questions-proof-full-vaccination-or-mask-requirement-businesses-and-venues​