MESSAGE FROM COUNCIL on WEARING MASKS AT MLC
Given the rise of the Delta variant currently circulating in our community, the return of students to schools, and the unavailability of vaccines for children under the age of 12, we recommend the use of masks for ALL people entering the church facility, regardless of vaccination status.
Masks will be required within the sanctuary during both services of worship, again regardless of vaccination status. Worship will continue to include singing, responsive reading, the Lord’s Supper with social distancing observed. The 11:00 a.m. live service will be streamed for online viewing by members unable or uncomfortable to attend in person worship.
Masks will be required within the education wing, both students and Sunday school teachers will wear masks for the duration of the Sunday school hour. This includes the adult classes, as we wish to model the behavior for our children.
This policy will be reviewed on August 30.
FROM THE CDC
Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, severe disease, and death is reduced for fully vaccinated people. Though they happen in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, some infections do occur among fully vaccinated people. Fully vaccinated people who do become infected with the Delta variant can transmit it to others. Therefore, fully vaccinated people can further reduce their risk of becoming infected with the Delta variant and transmitting it to others by wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.
Wearing a mask in public is most important for people who are immunocompromised. Fully vaccinated people might choose to mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated. People at increased risk for severe disease includes older adults and those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, overweight or obesity, and heart conditions. Members of the household who are unvaccinated include: any persons who have not completed vaccination, who cannot be vaccinated, and those who are not eligible for vaccines, including children less than 12 years of age. Fully vaccinated people should also continue to wear a mask where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance, and in correctional facilities and homeless shelters. Prevention measures are still recommended for unvaccinated people.
CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with proper prevention strategies in place.